Australian Mark Webber has put the boot into former team Williams, claiming his career took "a setback" after two unhappy years there.
Webber has been revitalised since joining Red Bull Racing after his move from Williams.
The team did give the 30-year-old Australian his only podium in the
2005 Monaco Grand Prix, but that was one of few highlights. Webber suffered 11 retirements last year as the car endured many problems, prompting his move.
Webber claims he is glad to be rid of Williams' regimented ways and is now experiencing a more relaxed environment with Red Bull alongside teammate David Coulthard.
With hindsight, Webber regrets joining the Grove team, even though it was his decision as he over-ruled manager Flavio Briatore at the time.
"As everyone knows, I was the one pushing for a Williams drive at the end of 2004, whereas Flavio had always been very much against it," added Webber on website www.formula1.com.
"This time I've listened to him. He has far better vision about where Formula One will be a few years down the road than anyone else I know.
"So, yes my career took a setback with Williams, but I'm not anticipating a second one with Red Bull.
"I am certain Red Bull will have by far the strongest season this team have ever had in all their various guises.
"But I think 2008 will be the year when we can really look for results."
* Kimi Raikkonen made his long-awaited Ferrari debut in a test at a damp Vallelunga circuit yesterday.
Some 50 fans huddled in the stand at the track near Rome as the 27-year-old Finn, heir apparent to retired seven times world champion Michael Schumacher, got to grips with last year's 248 Formula One car.
Brazilian teammate Felipe Massa, winner of two races last year, tested the new F2007 car at the same time.
Ferrari said Raikkonen, twice a championship runner-up at McLaren, completed 39 laps with a best time of 1m 15.226s.
Massa did 74 with a quickest of 1m 14.493s.
The season starts in Australia on March 18.
- REUTERS
