Ferrari_Fanatic
6th July 2010, 15:05
Mark Webber remains adamant that Ferrari could still challenge for the World Championship this season despite a below-par start.
The Italian team have endured a testing start to the season that has seen them claim only five podium finishes over nine races, with three of those achieved in the first two races. It was also in the season-opener in Bahrain that Fernando Alonso recorded what is to date the team's only win of the year.
The poor form sees Ferrari languishing in third spot on the Constructor's table with Fernando Alonso floundering in fifth position in the Driver's standings, 29 points behind Championship leader Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari number two Felipe Massa is in even worse shape, having collected only 67 points thus far.
Despite their poor run, Red Bull's Webber believes that the rest of the paddock would be foolish to write-off the team for the season.
"Ferrari, you can still never discount them," Webber told the BBC.
"They are a very, very strong team. Fernando is a very solid driver so those guys will be there week in, week out as well.
"It is a sensational battle. I am enjoying it, and there are many drivers that can win races. A lot of us are on a couple of victories each, and it would be nice to be the first driver to get on to three and four - and get a bit of momentum. It is a good fight," he added.
The Australian is himself looking to bounce-back after a poor run, having retired in spectacular fashion last time out in Valencia when his Red Bull was catapulted into the air after running into the back of Heikki Kovalainen's Lotus.
Webber is confident that he will be back challenging for top spot at Silverstone as the team continue to strive for every point on offer.
"Yeah, we are still pushing very hard to get every single point we can at every race," he explained.
"I had a rough weekend in Valencia, but the form has been good. Okay Canada we finished fifth but it was a very interesting GP for everyone.
"Turkey was another podium, so not a bad weekend at all. The signs are good to continue having good weekends and keep fighting."
credit pf1
The Italian team have endured a testing start to the season that has seen them claim only five podium finishes over nine races, with three of those achieved in the first two races. It was also in the season-opener in Bahrain that Fernando Alonso recorded what is to date the team's only win of the year.
The poor form sees Ferrari languishing in third spot on the Constructor's table with Fernando Alonso floundering in fifth position in the Driver's standings, 29 points behind Championship leader Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari number two Felipe Massa is in even worse shape, having collected only 67 points thus far.
Despite their poor run, Red Bull's Webber believes that the rest of the paddock would be foolish to write-off the team for the season.
"Ferrari, you can still never discount them," Webber told the BBC.
"They are a very, very strong team. Fernando is a very solid driver so those guys will be there week in, week out as well.
"It is a sensational battle. I am enjoying it, and there are many drivers that can win races. A lot of us are on a couple of victories each, and it would be nice to be the first driver to get on to three and four - and get a bit of momentum. It is a good fight," he added.
The Australian is himself looking to bounce-back after a poor run, having retired in spectacular fashion last time out in Valencia when his Red Bull was catapulted into the air after running into the back of Heikki Kovalainen's Lotus.
Webber is confident that he will be back challenging for top spot at Silverstone as the team continue to strive for every point on offer.
"Yeah, we are still pushing very hard to get every single point we can at every race," he explained.
"I had a rough weekend in Valencia, but the form has been good. Okay Canada we finished fifth but it was a very interesting GP for everyone.
"Turkey was another podium, so not a bad weekend at all. The signs are good to continue having good weekends and keep fighting."
credit pf1