Mark Webber confident of clinching the championship - Brawn confirms
Michael Schumacher’s inclusion for next season also
Red Bull’s Mark Webber is confident that he will secure his maiden championship in the coming weeks as F1 calendar enters its last phase. The Australian
is currently leading the championship by 11 points from his closest rival, Fernando Alonso. Webber believes that win in any one of the last 4 Grand
Prix will secure him the title.
Mark Webber has faith in his ability to come out on top by the end of season. He faces tough competition from the likes of former World Champions Hamilton, Button,
Alonso and also his Red Bull’s team-mate, Vettel. In a TV interview, the Australian Webber said: “I still need to win some races. This was, hopefully, my toughest weekend of the year out of the way and I can perform better on other tracks. We know non-finishes
hurt us a lot, in the end I got from fifth on the grid to third [at Singapore]. I think we can be good [in Japan], so we're ready for it.” However, he further believes that the length of Formula 1 calendar is taking its toll on all the competitors including
him. Similarly, the races are spread throughout the globe which makes it even harder for the drivers to overcome fatigue. Additionally, new regulations have made F1 more competitive than ever before.
On the other hand, Team Mercedes have fixed their attention towards the next season after failing to remain in contention for either the driver’s championship or
constructor’s championship, this season. Mercedes GP boss, Ross Brawn has also confirmed former World Champion, Michael Schumacher’s inclusion in next season despite some poor results from the German this season. Brawn has acknowledged the fact that Schumacher’s
poor performance is due to his inability to handle the Bridgestone tires. Schumacher has been able to grind points only nine times this season whereas he hasn't been able to finish once on the podium. Similarly, he has only three top-six finishes. Also, he
has been outshined by his younger team-mate, Nico Rosberg. The seven times World Championship has also been criticized for his unconventional tactics such as his move against his former Ferrari team-mate, Barichello but Brawn still believes that tires have
been the main reason behind German’s dismal performance. He maintained: “If you take the telemetry data in fast corners or his reaction time when the car breaks away, I don't see any difference. There he's still the old Michael. But in the slow corners, he
cannot make full use of the tires as Nico can. Nico has put the bar very high in this respect. But I guess that's okay for Michael as he clearly sees where he has to improve.”
Brawn is hopeful that Schumacher will produce an improved performance next season as he will be equipped with a better car. But he admitted that it was Schumacher’s
reputation and his past record which earned him another chance to prove himself with Mercedes GP. Brawn believes that Schumacher’s rich experience will be a deciding factor in 2011. He said: “We know that there is still a lot to come because Michael is in
many fields more talented than others - in driving and in the co-operation with the team. If he were a rookie, we surely would have asked ourselves if he has the capacity to advance. With Michael, we know that he has.”
Meanwhile, Schumacher’s former team, Ferrari is also confident that the resurgent Fernando Alonso will secure the championship this season. Ferrari boss, Stefano
Domenicali has asked his team to remain cool and calm if they want to secure the championship for the Spaniard. Alonso has surprised everyone as he came back into contention after winning three races from the last five. His rejuvenated form has enabled him
to clinch second position on the championship table and change the championship dynamics. With the season reaching its climax, it could well be anybody’s season. Who will win? Only time will tell.
Tags: