Mark Webber aiming to break jinx
Sunday 10th July 2011
Mark Webber is determined to eradicate one unwanted statistic from his form book this season at the British Grand Prix.
By his own admission, Webber concedes that not having led a single lap this year after eight races is "incredible".
The Australian now has the opportunity to set the record straight as he starts from pole for the second time this season, and eighth in his career.
Webber, though, is notoriously not the best of starters, and with Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso directly behind him, the pressure is there.
Despite that, Webber said: "If I lead one lap, as long as it's the right one (referring to the last), then that would be nice.
"But if you lead all the rest, of course it gives you a few more options to control the race.
"Obviously it's not the best statistic for me so far this year, but I've a good chance of changing that tomorrow.
"I've at least a few points on the board, but I know I need to get some more by leading a few races."
Despite the controversy surrounding the technical regulations, the 34-year-old always knew Red Bull would overcome any difficulties.
Initially it appeared as if Red Bull would be highly compromised, however, McLaren emerged as the ones to suffer, with Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton starting fifth and 10th, and a long way adrift in terms of time.
"The team has handled it pretty well," added Webber.
"Seb and I have concentrated on the driving, otherwise it gets very, very boring.
"But what has happened is not new for our team. Every year we have a new thing to talk about, and now let's hope everyone can find a common ground.
"It is incredibly boring also for the fans. They cannot understand 0.1% of what's going on. Even for us it is sometimes difficult.
"So let's get on with the racing. Keep the rules as simple as possible from the start of the year maybe and go from there."
Although knocked off pole for only the second time this season, reigning champion Vettel who carries a 77-point lead into the race, could not complain.
"I am happy with the result," said the 24-year-old German.
"It wasn't an easy session given the changing conditions. It would have been very easy to run wide or into the gravel.
"All in all it was tight, with not much between the cars. I am sure if you had the chance to try again you could maybe find a sniff here and there.
"But it was a good step. We kept cool heads because there was a lot of talk, and there still might be a lot of talk.
"But we are happy because as soon as we jump into the car we are allowed to work and focus on what is really important."
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
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