Dr Helmut Marko is positive about Red Bull's chances in the Spanish Grand Prix but has admitted to feeling frustrated by Saturday's qualifying session. Max Verstappen will start the race from second on the grid and was just three hundreths of a second behind pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton. Marko is disappointed to have missed out by such a small margin, yet is hopeful that this reflects the car's competitiveness. "The frustration of finishing second with such a minimal time difference," Marko told Sky Sports. "On the other hand, to know that we are on a par. "We lost it in turn four. From that point of view, we're going into the race on a positive note. We know we have a very, very fast race car." Marko believes that the team's long-run pace is another positive sign for the Grand Prix. The advisor has also given some insight into the strategy that the Milton Keynes-based squad might take at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. "[The long-runs] were good. Although they weren't quite as meaningful because Max only did one lap on the yellow tyre," Marko explained. "But after the out lap he already set the fastest time on the yellow tyre. It all looks positive. "We have to see how the weather develops. If it stays warm like this, then it could well go to a two-stop strategy." Sergio Perez had a slightly more challenging session than his Red Bull teammate and will line up in eighth place on the grid. Marko has hinted that the Mexican's strong ability to manage his tyres could come into play in the race. "We were already hoping that we could include him strategically. But of course he was handicapped by the spin in the first run. Now we'll see. "The race will be long, overtaking is traditionally very difficult here. But he is a good tyre whisperer. Maybe we can bring that into play then."
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