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Mark Webber doubts Red Bull will run different exhaust packages on each car again after China

Mark Webber expects Red Bull Racing to focus on the latest specification exhaust package in the long-term despite team-mate Sebastian Vettel reverting to the team's original 2012 set-up for the Chinese Grand Prix

Red Bull decided to run one package on each car in China on Friday to gather comparative data, and Vettel opted to continue with the older version because even though it produces less downforce, it creates a more consistent balance.

But while Webber admits that it would compromise the team's development path to continue to run different exhaust packages, he thinks the latest specification will prove to be the way forward.

"It would do, but I doubt it would happen," said Webber when asked if developing both would hold the team back. "We have an understanding of where we need to go, which is why we are developing what is on my car.

"Seb was keen to give it another crack as he had a pretty good winter with it and there was a decision by the team to gather some data with both situations to give us more confidence.

"They [Vettel's side of the garage] committed to running it for the rest of the weekend and investigations continue to go on."

Vettel, who failed to make it into Q3 for the first time since the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix, insisted that he did not regret returning to the old specification.

He believes that by running the exhaust, the team now has a greater depth of understanding of the car.

"Friday was very useful in that regard," said Vettel. "We already had a couple of answers before Friday, so it was a confirmation of that. In terms of balance we got the answers we were looking for.

"We were happy with the packaging and the performance yesterday and that is why we decided to keep it but it is silly to blame the package now."

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