Formula One News: Webber Cool As Alonso Closes in On Gap
Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber has conceded Fernando Alonso and Ferrari appear in enviable shape as the 2010 Formula One season draws near its culmination. With four races to go, the top five contenders for the 2010 drivers’ title
remain separated by a mere 25 points. Although Australia’s Mark Webber currently leads the proceedings with a 202 points in the bag, Fernando Alonso’ s ominous form increasingly threatens to steal the Red Bull man’s advantage.
After suffering from a dip in form mid way through the season, Ferrari have regained their momentum at a crucial point in the season. Having won the previous two races with considerable panache, Alonso now stands a mere 11 points
behind championship leader Mark Webber. The Spaniard has made a remarkable comeback from the time when many critics had already written him off for this year’s title. After treating the Tifosi to an incredible win on home soil in Italy, the Ferrari driver
went on to emulate his remarkable form in Singapore where he won the race from pole position.
In Singapore, Alonso successfully held back a hungry Sebastian Vettel in his state-of-the-art RB6. The Red Bull driver was literally breathing down Alonso’s neck for much of race, but Alonso defended his position with great skill
and pace. Over the last five races, Alonso has clearly been the most successful driver when it comes to collection of meaningful points. Over that period, the Spaniard has managed to accumulate a total of 94 points compared to Webber’s 74 and Vettel’s 60.
McLaren have been the least successful of the championship contending teams during the past 5 Grands Prix, with drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton gathering 44 and 37 points respectively.
With the title race still wide open, it may be fair to say Ferrari could not have peaked at a better time. Fresh from their decisive success in Italy and Singapore, the Scuderia are predictably raring to prove their muscle at the
coveted Japanese event which stands just around the corner. The tide appears to be in Ferrari’s favour, with the F10 proving it can match the pace of the RB6, which has been the best car on the field for much of the 2010 season.
Yet, Mark Webber insists he is unfazed by Fernando Alonso’s seemingly unbeatable form.
“…the points situation is pretty open. Anything can still happen,” said Webber.
The Australian, along with his team mate, Sebastian Vettel, is optimistic about RBR’s chances at the Japanese Grand Prix. Both teammates emphasized Red Bull’s strong record at Suzuka, remarking that they would strive to give their
best in Japan this coming weekend.
Vettel rightly pointed out that Fernando Alonso was not the only obstacle for Red Bull’s title hopes.
“Ferrari have made a step forward in the last couple of races, so they will be strong - and don’t forget McLaren,” said Vettel, giving Martin Whitmarsh’s side due respect.
Indeed, it will not come as surprise if McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton recovers from his recent streak of ill-fortune and emulates his championship winning feat of two years ago. The Englishman’s title winning hopes have taken a battering
at the past two races, where he has been forced to retire without collecting any points. Both Red Bull and Ferrari have made the most of Hamilton’s DNFs, and as a consequence the 2008 world champion’s position on the points table has plummeted to 3rd from
1st in just a few weeks time.
Yet, after getting over his initial disappointment, Hamilton has warned his detractors not to write him off for the year’s title. The Englishman insisted he would not consider revising his racing strategy amid claims from some
pundits that it was Hamilton’s overly aggressive driving style that was costing him valuable points.
“I always race my heart out, and nothing will ever change that,” remarked the defiant McLaren driver.
Meanwhile Hamilton’s teammate, Jenson Button, is another rival Mark Webber might be justly worried about. Having won the championship in 2009, Button reminded the world media he was very much capable of emulating last year’s results.
“I know I can win this title,” said Button.
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