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Horner keeping one eye on the opposition

Christian Horner: "You can never underestimate the opposition" © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Turkish Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Christian Horner
• |
• Niki Lauda
• |
• Sebastian Vettel

• Teams:
• Red Bull

Despite taking a one-two victory led by a dominant Sebastian Vettel at the Turkish Grand Prix, Red Bull is wary that its competitors could close the gap over the next few races.

"You can never underestimate the opposition," Horner told the BBC. "Ferrari are back and they pushed us very hard. They are very soft on their tyres and they make them go a long way.

"McLaren have looked very, very strong in the last couple of races - although they weren't as strong today. And Mercedes looked very fast yesterday [in qualifying]. I think things are going to change, there is a long way to go in this championship and it is important that we capitalise on days like today."

But he couldn't be happier with his lead driver Vettel and when asked if the reigning world champion had any weaknesses, Horner said: "Well, he turned up this weekend with a quite dodgy haircut."

Three-time champion Niki Lauda thinks Vettel is "definitely" and "without question" on course for his second drivers' crown. "He needs now to proceed in a clever way at races that he does not necessarily have to win," he added.

But Lauda said the 2011 contest is still interesting.

"McLaren with Hamilton won the last race but today they were 40 seconds behind, while Ferrari was nowhere and here they're the third party. But it's always about number two or three, while Red Bull and Vettel first and foremost is always in front."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.