Dec.6 (GMM) The design of Red Bull's title-defending 2011 car is not lagging behind, according to Sebastian Vettel.

It had been reported that, due to the team fighting to the death for this year's championship and also designer Adrian Newey's renowned belatedness, the RB7 might not be ready for the first group test in February.

Sauber and Toro Rosso are the first teams to confirm they will be present with their new cars at Valencia at the beginning of the second month of 2011.

And now new world champion Vettel tells the German daily Hamburger Abendblatt: "Right now it looks like our car will be ready on time.

"The first test is planned for early February in Valencia," said the 23-year-old.

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