WEBBER Third in Singapore Thriller

Australia's Mark Webber fought back from a difficult qualifying 5th on the grid, an early pit stop which saw him racing on slower 'hard' compound tyres and a coming together with Championship rival Lewi Hamilton which saw the latter retire from the race for the second Grand Prix in succession.

Webber actually increased his lead in the World driver's championship but all his main rivals, Hamilton excepted, also scored valuable points in the race for the Formula One Driver's title with team mate Sebastian Vettel chasing Alonso to the flag to finish on the podium in second place, Red Bull Renault have increased their Constructors championship lead as well and can be pretty happy with the turn of events.

Webber qualified poorly, by his standards this year at least, and was swamped by challengers in the early part of the race. Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso drove from Pole position into the lead at the first corner and showed in his usual flawless drive that he remains a major threat to Webber's title aspirations. Webber was forced to pit early in an attempt to make up ground later in the race, and it was this tactic that allowed him to finish on the podium. His drive was measured and determined and shows yet again that he has matured into a true World Championship contender. He held off a hard charging McLaren driven by reigning World Champion Jensen Button in the latter stages of the race as his tyres went away while Button's tyres were in better shape from a later pit stop strategy.

I think Webber can do it, I have said it for several years. His driving this year has been every inch a World Champion's consistency and pace and he will thoroughly deserve to lift the title. But he has the hounds snapping and snarling at his heels - in the form of Alonso, Vettel, Hamilton and Button, in what is turning into the most exciting and closely fought title chase in decades. I say it every year, and this year is no different, but the F1 championship exceeds expectations every season, year after year, in the quality of the racing, the drama and the talent behind the steering wheel. I can't recall a time - in the 30 plus years I have been following F1 when so many talented driver's stood to win the title. I can't recall when there were so many greats vying with each other, although the Lauda, Prost, Mansell, Senna, Piquet & Rosberg era of the 80's would probably be a worthy challenger for this mantle.

Go Mark, I am cheering you all the way, it seems odd to be holding my breath when my natural and lifelong support for McLaren gives way to relief when you manage to finish ahead of one or either.

Think Long & Prosper
Dan