Marko sees improvement for Red Bull on Saturday: 'Most problems solved'

After the third free practice it is clear that qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix will be a direct battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman was the fastest in the last free practice, but Mercedes was close to the Dutchman. According to Helmut Marko it will be a close fight.

"Either Hamilton or Verstappen will get pole. It will depend on who can drive the optimal lap without making mistakes. If they drive at more than 100 per cent, it will be difficult," Marko explained to ORF's camera. On Friday Red Bull Racing encountered some problems that prevented them from reaching the RB16B's potential in Barcelona.

Problems largely solved

According to Red Bull's advisor, those problems are now largely resolved. "We have been able to solve most of the small problems from yesterday. It's not quite perfect yet and we also don't know what power Mercedes is driving with". Only in qualifying will Red Bull find out if they are fast enough, but the early signs look good.

"We expect there will be more of it. It will be exciting with Hamilton. It looks like Bottas and Perez will not be as fast," Marko concluded. So he expects a battle between Hamilton and Verstappen for pole in Barcelona.