Australia's Mark Webber will remain behind Sebastian Vettel in the pecking order at Red Bull Racing, according to the team's advisor Dr Helmut Marko.
The 36-year-old Webber made a strong start to the 2012 season, winning twice, but struggled to maintain his pace throughout the year and ended in sixth place on the Driver's Championship.
Vettel on the other hand clinched a third consecutive driver's title and will start the new season as favourite for another title with bookmakers like Paddy Power and others, and Dr Marko believes Webber is aware of his position within the hierarchy at Red Bull.
"Mark knows what we expect of him," Marko told Sport Bild.
"For four years, Vettel and Webber have driven together in our team. Sebastian was runner-up once and champion three times.
"The statistic speaks for itself. There is no reason to think the balance of power will change."
The Aussie signed a one-year extension to his contract after winning at Silverstone in July and he remains a favourite amongst fans looking to place a bet on F1, but recently said that finding the right time to retire would be a difficult decision, although he has no plans to quit as of yet.
"I haven't been there yet but it is going to be a very difficult moment, no question about it," Webber told GP International magazine.
"I suppose it's just about getting the timing right - not pulling the plug too early, knowing you have more to give of yourself, or going too long and not being quick enough or struggling to do the things you used to be able to do.
"That can become an issue as well."
