Jean-Eric Vergne downplays setting the quickest time in Abu Dhabi test

The Frenchman headed Ferrari driver Jules Bianchi by almost one second at Yas Marina today, but insists that people would expect the driver in the fastest car to set the pace.

Instead, he is focusing on his overall contribution to the team's test programme.

"Of course," said Vergne when asked by AUTOSPORT if setting the pace is a boost. "But I guess that I have to be in first place anyway in the fastest car. People expect me to be.

"I'm really happy with the programme that we went through today. I have been pretty consistent with no mistakes. In terms of pure performance, it's pretty hard to compare to the [Abu Dhabi Grand Prix] weekend, but if you do try to, it's not too bad. I'm sure it's going to be better tomorrow. "

Despite not being cut loose to try a flat-out low-fuel run, Vergne said that he enjoyed his first day of testing for Red Bull.

The Toro Rosso Friday driver takes the same enjoyment from driving the car with whatever fuel load is necessary.

"It's big fun driving the car, even if you have 120kg of fuel," he said. "You just enjoy your time because it's an amazing car to drive.

"There was a bit of everything in the programme. We did some work for team and also for Pirelli testing some different tyres."

Vergne added that there is only a small difference in performance between the Red Bull RB7 and the Scuderia Toro Rosso STR6 that he drives during grand prix weekends.

"There is not a big difference," he said. "It's just a little bit better everywhere.

"If you are one tenth quicker in every corner, that adds up to two seconds here. It is just better everywhere."