Webber downplays practice pace

The Red Bull Racing driver finished in second place in the afternoon session, only outpaced by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton.

Australian Webber, however, was quick to play down his showing, and he insists his times is not a real reflection of Red Bull's real form.

"I think Friday we know it is important not to read too much into it," said Webber. "It's not easy to get consistency, but I am pretty happy with the car. We did a good job, we didn't have any problems and are in good shape to get things ready for qualifying.

"We are not second quicker, we are still fighting at the back of the points I believe, but we will see what tomorrow brings."

Webber, who last season was hampered by regular reliability problems, said his team must make sure they avoid trouble at all costs.

"The reliability rate is impressive and we have to make sure that we are better than other teams, if not equal, that is the biggest thing I look for," he added.

"Of course you are looking for performance but we will want to improve the car aerodynamically. Today was very difficult for the drivers with conditions hot track and windy, a few corners difficult to get consistency."

Teammate David Coulthard finished in fifth position on a promising day for the Milton Keynes team.