"Harmony because of Vettel's domination"
Friday 8th July 2011
Mark Webber believes there is a new-found harmony within Red Bull this season - but only because of Sebastian Vettel's domination.
Last year the duo could barely stand to be in the same room as one another such was the animosity between them, with one particular flashpoint occurring in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
That was when Webber discovered his value to the team, who opted to take a new wing off his car and hand it to Vettel shortly ahead of qualifying after the same component on the German's car had failed in final practice.
Vettel went onto claim pole, but Webber had the last laugh, winning the race, following which he produced one of the quotes of the season when he said: "Not bad for a number two driver."
Throughout the campaign it was nip and tuck between the duo, only for Vettel to emerge victorious by taking the title, and the German has never looked back.
Six wins in eight races have propelled Vettel to a 77-point lead over Webber and McLaren's Jenson Button, with the former yet to take the chequered flag this season.
On the face of it, all would appear to be well between the pair this year, but as Webber points out: "It's because I'm not beating Seb.
"The harmony is perfect when the results are like this. I hope we can get both. Me winning again and still have good harmony."
It would also appear to be an uphill battle for Webber, mainly due to the fact he has struggled to get to grips with the new Pirelli tyres, in contrast to Vettel who has flown out of the traps.
"I'm not the only guy fighting against Seb - all of us are," added Webber.
"He's had a great run, but we've got a lot of races to go and a lot of good opportunities.
"Of course he's scored a lot of good points, but it's not been too bad for me either. I've also a lot of points.
"But I'd love to start winning, although again I'm not the only guy who wants to start winning some races this year.
"But no, I'm not tired of fighting him at all really."
Nor is Webber becoming fed up with questions regarding his future, with speculation linking Lewis Hamilton to a seat that has yet to be filled for next season.
The indication is Webber will be retained, but asked whether he felt under any pressure to decide his future, he said: "No, because I have a very good understanding of what's going on so I'm pretty relaxed.
"The papers will be wrapping fish and chips tomorrow, so you guys have to keep digging for stories and that's only fair, that's what happens.
"Tomorrow will be a new story again and that's how it is in F1, but I am very relaxed, same as this time last year when I did have a contract.
"So I am sitting very, very well, irrespective of whether Fangio is coming here, or whoever is coming in this week."
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
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