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Webber predicts sleepy race in Hungary

With Red Bull so dominant at the twisty Hungaroring, it might be the opening moments of Sunday’s grand prix that determines the outcome.

“The first three seconds can be crucial and can deliver 70 per cent of the result,” said Mark Webber, pole sitter Sebastian Vettel’s teammate and fellow occupant of the front row in the sister RB6.

Although straight lines are few at the twisty Hungaroring, the run from the grid to the first corner is actually one of the longest on the F1 calendar.

“We’ll have to see what sort of start we get,” the Australian is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

“It might get a little boring after that.  This race could be interesting in terms of trying to stay awake after the start,” he added.

A week ago at Hockenheim, Vettel was also on pole, but he got a bad start and both Ferraris got past before the first corner.

“The start is always important,” said Fernando Alonso, once again the highest-placed non-Red Bull.

It is even more important at the Hungaroring, whose tight corners and lack of overtaking opportunities are rivalled only by the streets of Monaco.

“The start – first corner, first lap – will be 60 or 70 per cent of the final result,” the Spaniard explained on Saturday.

“So hopefully we can have a start like at Hockenheim last week and take some positions,” said the Ferrari driver.

Behind the Ferraris is the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton, but he will not be having any thoughts of beating the Red Bulls on Sunday.

“They’re 1.7 seconds ahead this weekend.  It’s incredible,” said the 2008 world champion, who earlier in Hungary was rebuked by his boss Ron Dennis for talking down the performance of the MP4-25.

“Jenson and I look at the on board footage (of the Red Bulls) and we just laugh,” Hamilton insisted.  “It’s just insane how fast they’re going.”

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