Mark Webber is ready for rain that is forecast to arrive in Barcelona on Friday

Mark Webber is bracing himself for bad weather that is forecast to arrive in time for his second outing in Red Bull's new car on Friday.

Webber ended Thursday only ninth fastest but did at least complete the majority of a race simulation during the afternoon. It was his first day in the RB9 this week and the Australian echoed sentiments he expressed in Jerez a fortnight ago, where he said the car was an improvement on its title-winning predecessor. "It is a step forward from last year's car," Webber added. "I would be surprised if it wasn't. There's very good continuity in the team, the guys understand the car as well. The regulation changes are very minimal; the biggest challenge, as we all know, is understanding the things on the corner of the car. "But in terms of the concept of the car, there's no big surprises for us. We're pretty satisfied so far but we certainly have work to do."