Mark Webber says having racing drivers testing at Mugello is a no-brainer

McLaren has opted to not run Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button during the three-day test, relying on Gary Paffett and Oliver Turvey to assess any pre-Barcelona upgrades.

According to Webber, Red Bull never even considered going down a similar path to its title rivals.

"It was an absolute no-brainer for [Sebastian and I] to be here," said the Australian.

"There was never any consideration that the race drivers wouldn't come to this test. Mileage is so limited these days that's its good for me to be in the car. Any chance we get to drive the car in the real world, we'll do it."

While the fast and flowing Mugello circuit is radically different to most of the tracks that make up the Formula 1 calendar, Webber still feels that the team will be able to collect some useful data from some parts of the lap.

"There are parts of the lap that we don't really race on these days - the very, very fast stuff is not how we race on the modern tracks these days. But there is still information that we can take to other venues, particularly from an aerodynamic point of view."

Webber also warned not to expect any ground-breaking upgrades to be fitted into the RB8 before next week's Spanish Grand Prix.

"I don't think so," he said. "I think that there will be small details. As far as I know, we'll have some things but I don't think it will be drastic."