Webber sets his sights on clipping Red Bull team-mate's Vettel's wings at Silverstone
By SIMON CASS
Last updated at 11:50 AM on 5th July 2011
A year ago Red Bull’s Mark Webber was toasting his victory at Silverstone with the words: ‘Not bad for a No 2 driver’.
Now, as he returns to the scene of perhaps his sweetest grand prix victory, the Australian has grown used to playing second fiddle to Sebastian Vettel.
Webber’s victory cry into his pit radio showed his frustration at what he saw as preferential treatment by his team for teammate Vettel, who was given a new front wing to eke out some precious tenths of a second.
Spreading his wings: Red Bull driver Mark Webber
As it was, a puncture for Vettel after early contact with eventual second-place finisher Lewis Hamilton, helped ensure Webber’s victory.
Battle royal continued, between the Red Bull duo, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and — to a lesser extent — the McLarens of British rivals Hamilton and Jenson Button in one of the most fascinating championship fights in years.
It went to the wire in Abu Dhabi, Vettel triumphing as poor pit calls for Webber and Alonso put paid to their chances.
In contrast, many seasoned observers believe this season’s drivers’ title could be won well before the final race of the season — this time in Brazil — such has been Vettel’s dominance.
Lapping it up: Mark Webber celebrates victory at Silverstone
And, much to his credit, there has been no cry of foul play from Webber this time.
‘It is amazing to be a little bit disappointed sitting second in the drivers’ championship,’ he said. ‘It probably hasn’t gone completely as I would have liked but it is a fine line isn’t it?
‘Seb is obviously on a phenomenal run, which has made it hard for all the rest of us. There is only one guy that is really wrapped with his season up to now and that is Seb.’
As Webber, like Vettel, has a Red Bull RB7 at his disposal, there have been calls from other drivers for the Australian to beat his team-mate and chip into the world champion’s 77-point lead.
While the rawness of his run-ins with Vettel — such as their crash in Turkey last year — have faded over time Webber has no intention of playing rear gunner as Vettel speeds into the distance.
‘They think I am the only guy out there trying to beat him,’ said Webber. ‘When someone is on a run, obviously they want to see a change, whoever it is.
Still in the shade: Webber
‘He (Vettel) can be caught. But he can also go on a roll again after he is caught. For someone to outscore him by 80 points will be a phenomenal effort. So you have got to keep boxing and hang in there. Someone has got to get on a roll with some victories themselves.’
Time is of the essence, not only because if Vettel is to be caught the fightback must begin now but also because Webber, 35 next month, is giving serious consideration to his future. His Red Bull deal is up at the end of this campaign.
‘Red Bull have been great and they are very keen to keep me, no question about it,’ he said. ‘We are talking but there is no real urgency from both sides. Timing is crucial in anything in life. At the moment I am still getting some great results and I’m very, very close to getting some phenomenal results again.’
Even if there is to be a swansong, Webber is already turning his thoughts to life after Formula One. With the help of Australian airline Qantas — who will provide mentoring support with one of the airline’s training captains, time in a flight simulator and an introduction to an approved pilot training organisation — he could yet make a career of his love of flying once he obtains his pilot’s licence.
‘It is another passion that you need to be very serious about,’ Webber said. ‘It is enjoyable when you engross yourself in something which is a personal challenge. It starts and stops with you in terms of getting it done.’
Just like the challenge of clipping Vettel’s wings.
Credit: The Daily Mail (www.dailymail.co.uk)
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