Mark Webber signals intent with fastest F1 time at Spa GP practice

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• Webber had predicted end of team-mate Vettel's dominance
• McLaren's Button and Hamilton third and fourth fastest

Mark Webber set the fastest time in Friday's second practice session shortly after predicting the end of the dominance of the Formula One season by Sebastian Vettel, his Red Bull team-mate.

Webber's late run, just before the session was flagged because of the weather, dumped his friend Fernando Alonso into second place in the rain and sunshine of the afternoon run at Spa-Francorchamps.

Next came the McLaren pair, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Vettel, the world champion and runaway leader in this year's standings, had to be content with 10th place – although he did not go out on slicks – just ahead of Michael Schumacher who, in the morning session, had celebrated his 20th anniversary in F1 by posting the quickest time.

In the morning, Schumacher and his fellow Mercedes driver, Nico Rosberg, had been the only drivers to squeeze in their laps before the rain arrived.

The track was still damp when the second session started and conditions improved steadily. Alonso, the first driver to go out on slicks, moved to the top of the timings ahead of Webber and then improved that time in his next lap.

The rain came down once more and though the drivers went out again they were unable to improve on their earlier performances.

Behind the McLarens came Felipe Massa and Rosberg, followed by Sergio Pérez, Nico Hülkenburg, Paul di Resta and Vettel, who completed the top 10.

Before practice Webber, who is second in the championships, 85 points behind Vettel, said: "In terms of having five, six or seven wins on the bounce, that's over. That is not going to happen. I think it will be more spread out. It will be the same customers, the usual suspects, the normal guys winning, and I am looking at getting involved as well."

Webber, who has still to win a race this season, has not yet signed a contract with Red Bull for next year, though he is expected to do so.

• Mark Webber
• Sebastian Vettel
• Red Bull
• Formula One 2011
• Formula One
• Motor sport

Paul Weaver

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

26 Aug, 2011

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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/aug/26/mark-webber-belgian-gp-f1
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