Webber tells Briatore the Red Bull RB9 is very strong

Former Formula 1 boss and currently driver manager Flavio Briatore does not believe Red Bull will struggle in 2013.

There have been reports the reigning world champions had a difficult final test with the new RB9, struggling with the latest upgrades and finding a good setup.

But former Renault chief Briatore, who still manages Mark Webber, said: "Webber tells me he will start very strongly.

"He said the tests have been fruitful and that the machine is very good," he told Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.