Webber surprised by RBR performance

Sebastian Vettel and Webber put the two Red Bull-Renaults first and third on the grid, split by Fernando Alonso's Renault, but ahead of the Brawn GP cars that have dominated the early part of the 2009 season.

"I expected it to be a bit tighter," said Webber. "We did a very good job, Q2 was strong, the cars are behaving very well so I am pretty happy with it."

He felt the result was a just reward for the efforts Red Bull Racing had put in to develop its car during the opening races.

"The work that has gone into it was incredible," Webber said. "It's nice to have both of us on the front rows."

The Australian added that it was also a pleasing result for him personally given his battle to regain fitness over the winter having injuring his leg and shoulder in a cycling accident.

"It has been a testing winter for me," Webber admitted.

"I wasn't quick in winter testing, my leg was not that straightforward and with the other injuries I had, I've been incredibly determined to get in the best condition I can and best shape possible, to give this youngster (Vettel) a hard time. So far it is working and it is working well."