Mark Webber believes he can perform in front of his home crowd – Formula 1 news
Mark Webber says that performing against his home crowd does not put him under any pressure.
Webber has not been able to put on a good showing at his home country and is looking to change that in the upcoming season opener Australian Grand Prix. The Aussie has come in the top three places on 30 occasions but has never been able to get a podium position
in Australia.
“You have some candidates who have never made it good back home: Sebastian (Vettel), Jenson (Button), and Rubens (Barrichello), you name it,” Webber said. “Irrespective of where the first race is, I want to win it and I am really excited to start the season.
Sure there is a bit more tension at the home race, but in the car you do your thing wherever you are. I am not going to let anything distract me in Melbourne. That is the plan.”
Webber is looking to improve on his 2011 showing as he was only able to win a single Grand Prix, when the Red Bull car was clearly the most dominant on the track. While his teammate Sebastian Vettel marched on to claim a total of 11 Grands Prix wins. The
Aussie may not show it but should be under some pressure to perform as talks of his retirement have started.
Media has questioned him a few times starting from mid 2011 season. Webber though has denied any retirement plans and says that he looks forward to racing for Red Bull beyond 2012. Red Bull though may not be on the same page over the Aussie’s future with
the team.
It will be important for Webber to perform in the season whether he stays on with Red Bull or not, as it will be imperative for other teams if he wants a race seat with any team other than Red Bull.
“The most important thing for Mark Webber is that I perform. The rest I can't control, so I'll just look after myself. When you are in front in Formula One you are always under intense scrutiny. Every corner is analysed,” he said.
The season begins on March 18, 2012.
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