Webber first to test RB8

Mark Webber will run on the opening two days in Jerez © Getty Images

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Mark Webber will drive the new RB8 first for Red Bull after the team announced its driver schedule for the first test in Jerez.

Webber will be at the wheel for the first two days of the test, which begins on February 7. He will hand over to Sebastian Vettel on days three and four. So far only McLaren has confirmed its driver schedule, with Jenson Button in the new MP4-27 for the opening two days before Lewis Hamilton takes over.

Only Mercedes and Marussia have delayed the launch of their new cars until after the first test, with both teams planning to run at the second test in Barcelona. Marussia said that it will run a 2011 car in Jerez to allow new driver Charles Pic as much track time as possible.

The first car to be launched ahead of the new season will be Caterham's CT01 on January 26, followed by McLaren on February 1 and Ferrari and Force India on February 3. Red Bull's RB8 will be launched online on February 6.

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