Sebastian Vettel insists the FIA's clampdown on engine mapping did not have a negative impact on his RB8 in Hungary on Friday.
Off the pace in the race weekend's first 90-minute practice session, Vettel rebounded in the second to finish eighth with a 1:22.824. That put him 0.829s on pace-setter Lewis Hamilton.
However, the German's inability to fight at the sharp end in practice raised some questions about whether the team was feeling the effects of the FIA's clarification of the rule which has put an end to Red Bull's reported use of engine mapping to increase the car's aerodynamics.
"There is a lot of talk but if you would know what is going on in the background then you would not be too interested in all the talking and stuff that has been printed in the last few days," Vettel said.
"Fortunately tomorrow there is a new newspaper, and after tomorrow again, and specially on Monday, so we focus on the race here and then try to make some good news for Monday's newspaper."
The reigning World Champion did, however, admit that if given the chance he would opt to return to the engine mapping used in Hockenheim.
"It is much less than what people expect. Surely if we would have the choice then we would go back to what we had in Hockenheim but it is difficult for us to measure, like I said yesterday."
As for his pace in Friday's practice, Vettel says it's difficult to judge who is on top given that he didn't go out for a soft tyre run before the rain came down.
"It's difficult to judge as we didn't get out on the soft tyres, so it's difficult to compare our competitiveness.
"It was a normal Friday, and I think there's still a lot of room for improvement for us, things that we need to do a little bit better for the rest of the weekend, and then we'll see where we are.
"Unfortunately the weather caught us out like everyone in the end. We'll see what we get tomorrow."
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