Webber trapped by the checkered flag at Sepang

Mark Webber qualified further back on the starting grid for the Malaysian Grand Prix as the driver Red Bull took fifth place more than two seconds behind his teammate Sebastian Vettel on pole at Sepang. Unlike the three-time world champion who chose to go through the pits to get a new set of intermediate tires, the Australian preferred to stay on the track and hoped to set off on a final timed lap before being surprised by the flag at checkerboard. “Another set of intermediate tires was probably the right solution to achieve the best lap but the situation was not clear”, explained the resident of the Milton Keynes stable. “I saved my tires for the last flying lap but I thought I would have more time before the end of qualifying. I didn't expect to see the checkered flag and it was a double blow because the track was improving. »

After securing second place on the starting grid for the Australian Grand Prix, Mark Webber does not hide his disappointment at finding himself fifth behind the two drivers Ferrari and Mercedes de Lewis Hamilton. The Australian believes he could have positioned himself in a better position. “I think we could have had a much better time. Comparing the new tires to the worn ones, I probably would have struggled to beat Seb but a better time was within our reach. There is no doubt, the track was evolving very quickly in the right direction. If we look at someone like Adrian (Sutil) who was very fast with the slicks and who was also competitive in the wet, he was no longer able to set a good time with the intermediates. It’s a curious situation that we can’t really explain. »