Q&A with Red Bull’s Mark Webber 08 May 2010
Today’s pole position was a big load off Mark Webber’s mind. The internal competition level at Red Bull is extremely high - all but inevitable with two such capable drivers - and Webber clearly demonstrated he has no intention of standing in Sebastian Vettel’s shadow. But whoever gets the break tomorrow, one thing is clear: the fans will see a mesmerizing race because the likes of Hamilton, Alonso, Button and Schumacher will be doing their utmost to spoil the Red Bull party…
Q: Mark, that was quite a qualifying performance today…
Mark Webber: Yes, it was. Sebastian and I are always very close but today it was my turn, which was very nice. It’s always hard work to clock pole position and today I’ve got it right. When I went out for my fastest lap I knew that I already had a good lap in my bank. My approach was to find a little time somewhere - if I can - and I had in my mind that it would come from turn seven. I thought that I could still do a better job there, which I did and I kept that until the end of the lap. I was hoping that it would be enough and when I looked at the tower showing the results I knew right away. But believe me I had to work pretty hard. They don’t give out pole positions for free!
Q: The car was good before you got to Barcelona, but now it seems to be in a league of its own…
MW: Well, we’ve been working very hard and we don’t take anything for granted. We know that Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes are our opponents and that will continue till the end of the season. It’s still early days but yes, the next two races are back-to-back so we could gain valuable points. There was a massive effort in the factory and here at the track to make this performance possible - you can’t believe how much work they all have done, just for two cars, and today it paid off.
Q: How afraid are you of a technical failure- something that in the past has stood between the RB6 and winning races?
MW: If you have only ten laps to go, sure your mind is going in that direction. But even if you had a bomb-proof car you always think that because it’s the only thing that can ruin your day. Let’s hope it will not happen.
Q: Not to bring back bad memories, but the last time you where on pole Sebastian sneaked past you at turn one. What will you be doing to avoid that?
MW: I’m pretty relaxed for the race. I hope I will do a petty decent start - and off you go. I am looking forward to the race and at the moment I’m ahead of the game. So let’s wait for the race - that is the most important part! There is a long straight that gives you time to think about the first sector.
Q: Sebastian at your side, is that something that makes you worry?
MW: No, it’s the best choice that I can have. He’s friendly, it’s fine. Sure we both want to lead the race and he is a good starter, but I’m not on holiday myself! And we have done it quite often together - for almost one and a half years we are almost always on the same row, so we are no first timers. And we both know that it is a very important race for the team and we will do anything to get a good result. We should really be able to capitalize on our good qualifying performance.
Q: In final practice you were seven-tenths behind Sebastian but in qualifying you were able to turn it around. What happened to your car in the two hours between practice and qualifying?
MW: I removed the mirrors inside and put the seat back a little bit…
Q: So you are not giving up any secrets?
MW: Nope, and you guys don’t understand anyway…
Q: The start is one thing, but how do you see the race unfolding?
MW: It’s a long race - 66 laps - and it’s a fast track, and I hope we understand what it takes to get the car home. Hopefully!
Q: How important is pole position at a track like Barcelona?
MW: It certainly is important because this is a tricky track. That’s why I tried very hard to get it!
Q: There is very mixed information about the weather for the race. Rain has been forecast all weekend but so far we have not seen much of it. What would be your preference?
MW: A dry race, for sure.
