Reliability Problems Hit Red Bull Again in Malaysia Practice

Red Bull Racing don't seem to get a break – in terms of reliability problems – with their 2010 challenger. After some catastrophic issues in both Bahrain and Australia, this week's Malaysian Grand Prix is likely to become Episode 3 of the series, at least if we are to judge from the problems experienced by Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel during the Friday practice.

Although Vettel scored the second best lap time of the day on the Sepang International Circuit, the German experienced another wheel-related problem during P1. He slowed down dramatically at one point, while moving into the pits shortly after. Additionally, he told his team via radio that he might have a problem with his car's power steering, but scored his fastest lap shortly after – that happened in P2.

Just to make sure you remember right, Vettel's problems in the Australian GP were wheel related, as a loose wheel nut led to a poor wheel mounting on his front left tire, which eventually led to his gravel excursion at Albert Park.

As far as Webber is concerned, the Aussie had an engine problem during the second practice on Friday, having to stall his car onto the gravel after only 30 minutes of action. When asked by the reporters what happened, the 33-year old racer insisted that there is no need to worry, because the problem occurred due to the V8's “pretty high mileage.”

“It's never ideal to lose an engine but we did,” admitted Webber, whose car will be fitted with another powerplant from as early as tomorrow's practice session. The Australian recorded only 13 laps of running in P2, the lowest from the entire field.