Red Bull driver does not want to be handed wins
Last Updated: October 29, 2011 1:31pm
Webber: Wouldn't accept any gifts
Red Bull's Mark Webber has said he will turn down all offers of gifted wins at the three remaining F1 races this season.
The Australian has yet to take the chequered flag in 2011, in marked contrast to the 10 victories chalked up by team-mate Sebastian Vettel en route to his second world title earlier this month.
Red Bull, however, are eager for Webber to finish as runner-up in the drivers' standings so they can complete a remarkable season in which they have also retained their constructors' crown.
Team principal Christian Horner said the possibility of engineering a victory for Webber was likely to be discussed. However, the driver himself, who starts second in Sunday's Indian Grand Prix behind Vettel, has revealed that he wants to win on his own terms.
"Nothing will be different," Webber said, when asked about the possibility of help from Vettel.
"There has been a lot of talk from the team but nothing from me. I don't want any positions off Sebastian for the remainder of the year."
Speaking prior to qualifying on Saturday, Horner said that he expected Webber to give such a response.
"From a team perspective we will do everything we can to help Mark," said Horner.
"So it is a conversation we need to have with the drivers, but I am sure Mark would like to achieve it on his own merit.
"I am not sure he would like to be given something, although if asked the question Sebastian would be willing to do it.
"But it is probably a better approach to let the guys race and get on with it.
"If there was a situation at the last race where a position could make a difference then that's different.
"But for the time being we are going to let them race, as we have all year to be honest."
Important
On the face of it, whoever finishes second to Vettel would appear to be of little significance.
However, with Webber 13 points behind Jenson Button who currently holds second place, Horner added: "For Mark it has importance, and it would be nice to see him win a race before the end of the year.
"Obviously Sebastian's target is a statistical one, and effectively that is his only remaining challenge this year.
"So we are just going to approach this weekend as any other and go for it."
For his part, Vettel has conceded he would love to see Webber finish second, although when asked whether he would give up a race win he was circumspect.
"For Mark to be runner up, that would be the best way to finish such a fantastic season. It would be great for the team," said Vettel.
"As for scenarios, we've seen this year a lot of things can happen at the beginning of a race, but also overtaking is possible.
"So the race order may not be clear five to 10 laps from the end, and it also depends on where you are.
"So first of all we have to make sure we are in a strong position and then the scenario situation comes last. That is probably the easiest one to manage."
Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)
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