Webber laments lack of progress in 2007

(GMM) Mark Webber says Red Bull has not only underperformed in 2007 but failed to adequately improve its single seater throughout the season.

"I don't think we've progressed enough, no," the 31-year-old, in Japan for the first race at Fuji Speedway, said.

"We need to develop the car harder and faster and that's always the way in this business."

Hopes were high earlier this year for the first Red Bull that was fully penned by championship winning designer Adrian Newey.

So although the Milton Keynes based outfit is higher placed than big-spenders Toyota and Japan, Webber said the real goal is more adventurous than that.

He also said all of Red Bull's rivals will be looking ahead to better seasons next year.

"Everyone's learnt from what they've stuffed up with this year," said the Australian, who has retired from races five times in 2007.

"Honda, Toyota, a lot of teams will be in better shape next year so we've got to make a massive step."

Webber suggested that he was also facing a difficult task when the pitlane opened at refurbished Fuji Speedway, which last hosted a grand prix around the time he was born.

"I would prepare on a simulator but Red Bull don't have one, so it might take a little bit longer," he said, prior to going eleventh quickest in afternoon practice.

"We would do a lot of car set up in the simulator. We've got a rough idea but no corner's ever straightforward and we need to work that out."