AUSTRALIA’S MARK WEBBER is confident he can remain in the hunt for race victories next season after finishing second at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix overnight.
Starting from third on the grid, Webber profited from the misfortune of McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton to claim his fourth runner-up finish of the season behind team mate Sebastian Vettel, narrowly beating World Champion Jenson Button.
The result was Red Bull’s third consecutive victory, and sixth for the season, confirming the British-based squad as the most dominant outfit of the second half of the year.
With the 2010-spec F1 cars essentially remaining identical to their current incarnation, Webber believes Red Bull’s strong finish bodes well for next year.
When asked whether Red Bull are here to stay as a top line team, Webber said: “Yes, absolutely. We have got an incredible team back at the factory.
“We know that we have got under Adrian Newey someone that with him leading these type of regulation changes, particularly with what we had at the start of this year, it was clear as soon as we saw the car that it was going to be a bit of a weapon.
He added: “Unfortunately in a way Brawn got the start with the double diffuser and things like that but in the end our team responded well with great character and next year there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for us not to be starting at the front again.
“I would much, much prefer to be in our position than quite a few other teams but we can never get too complacent. This is Formula One and things can change quickly but we are positive about next year, no question about it.”
Meanwhile, Toyota is set to confirm Japanese sensation Kamui Kobayashi as the first half of its 2010 driver pairing after the rookie finishing sixth at Yas Marina Circuit.
Kobayashi turned heads with his bullocking display at Interlagos a fortnight earlier, showing no fear as he jostled for position with the likes of World Champion Jenson Button.
The 23-year-old further advanced his claims as Asia’s next great hope overnight, dazzling again as he charged up from 12th on the grid to secure his first points finish of his career.
Kobayashi briefly sat in third place following a daring pass on Button, but he dropped down the order following his first and only pit stop of the race.
Toyota boss John Howett said he was pleased with Kobayashi’s performance, stating the team was impressed by his dogged persistence.
“We will have to give really serious consideration, as he has really shown very good strong results,” he said.
“I am very impressed. We were very happy again. What we like is his real fighting spirit. He is not intimidated by anybody. It’s very positive.”
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It was unfortunate Hamilton suffered a brake issue early into the race yesterday. The McLaren was definitely quick over the course of the weekend and it would have been interesting to see how it would’ve faired against the Red Bulls.
Kobayashi was definitely punching above his weight in the Toyota. It would be a surprise if he didn’t get an F1 seat for next year.
Yes Kobayashi should get a drive. He’s like a breath of fresh air I think, very agressive and makes no appologies for it. He certainly will be interesting to watch next year. Japan has got talent, it’s a shame none of it has come through F1 yet to win a championship. After all they have given us some pretty great engines in F1 over the years.
I think Hamilton and McLaren will be the combination to beat next year. Vettle has the talent to challange if he can remain consistant.
I kinda feel sorry for Mark. Seems like the team has read him the riot act and there was a feeling of fear and greatfullness in his voice during the post race interviews praising the team and it’s efforts. It was like “Thank God I’ve been given a second chance, I promise not to let you guys down, I’ll win next year, I will, I will, you’ll see” kinda of deal. I just don’t think Mark has the consistancy to challenge for the title. He’s hot one day and off the pace the next. A good driver can make a car work on a bad day. Mark doenst have this. Mark needs the car and conditions to be perfect “for him” in order to win. I know in Brazil he won in bad weather but “for him” the conditions and car working together was perfect. Anyway I do hope I’m wrong and he can win the world title, would be the shot in the arm motorsport needs here.