Mateschitz wants a Red Bull title victory

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz insists his F1 team is one of the top three contenders and will be fighting for this year's Championship.

In 2009, Red Bull Racing finished second in a stellar season that also saw Sebastian Vettel claim the runner-up position in the Drivers' Championship.

This year the Austrian businessman wants to see his team go one better.

"We have realistic expectations that of course progressed each year," Mateschitz told Autosport. "Last year we wanted to finish among the top three teams, which we achieved.

"This year we have to fight for the Championship because we belong to the three fastest teams. The rest is not dependent on us but on FIA decisions, driver errors, reliability, safety car periods and so on."

Mateschitz is confident Red Bull has the driver line-up needed to achieve the title in Vettel and his team-mate Mark Webber.

"Two drivers of equal strength are no problem but a huge advantage because they push their respective limits," he said.

"Sebastian had more wins and poles last year than Mark but on fastest laps they were equal. Vettel of course is an exceptional personality that might come out maybe in some decades.

"By his pressure Mark could push his limits remarkably. The fact that Vettel is a product of our young driver scheme is an additional satisfaction for us."

As for why Red Bull weren't able to clinch the title last season, Mateschitz reckons it was because of the Formula One regulations, especially the controversial double-decker diffuser.

"At the start of last season, we were the only team without a double diffuser that could match Brawn's pace," he said.

"If you consider we had to rebuild the car, Vettel had to accept the penalty after Melbourne, he could have been Champion already last year.

"Now we have to continue where we finished last year. There is no guarantee for the Championship, but it is a target."

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