Red Bull drivers unhappy with emphasis on tyres

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber could both be accused of losing their grip on Friday after the Red Bull duo launched scathing attacks on what they perceive as tyre wear becoming too dominant a factor in Formula One.

The pair took their customary positions near the front of the pack during the first free practice sessions for the Malaysian Grand Prix but rather than waxing lyrically over a job well done, the drivers took pot shots at this year's Pirellis.

"The whole category is geared around tyres at the moment," Webber fumed despite topping the timesheets in the morning session ahead of Kimi Raikkonen's Lotus.

"Everything is around tyres. Tyres, tyres, tyre, tyres, tyres," the Australian added, while noting the wet track following a downpour in the second session was "the only conditions the slicks work in".

The Red Bulls locked up the front row in last week's season-opener in Melbourne but their one-lap speed was negated by tyre degradation in long runs as Raikkonen took full advantage to romp to victory. (Reuters)