Webber: It would have been a mistake to quit now
Mark Webber’s decision to stay with Red Bull for 2012, announced over the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, was an easy one to make says the Australian, who still feels he has plenty to offer the team - and Formula One racing.
Prior to confirmation of his new deal there had been endless speculation that Webber, 35, could be set to retire at the end of the year, having seen his 2011 title challenge fade relative to team mate Sebastian Vettel’s.
However, following his strong second place at Spa, Webber insists he has now adapted to the new-for-2011 Pirelli tyres - an issue for him at the beginning of the season - and is ready to push Vettel all the way in 2012.
“I've been an integral part of Red Bull since the start and I still enjoy it there,” said Webber in his column for UK Formula One broadcasters the BBC. “It would have been a mistake to stop racing.
“I'm still driving well. I had a bit of a slow start to this year because it took me a little while to get on top of the new tyres. I'm looking forward to taking on Seb - and everyone else - again next year.”
Webber finished third in the standings last year, just 14 points behind champion Vettel, after winning four Grands Prix. This year he has been Vettel’s closest rival, but has thus far scored zero victories to the German’s seven and trails his team mate by 92 points. Nevertheless, he isn’t quite ready to write off 2011.
“This year isn't over yet,” he said. “There are still seven races to go, starting with Monza next weekend, and anything can still happen.”
Credit: Formula One Administration Ltd (www.formula1.com)
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