Webber chases F1 second place in Brazil

Mark Webber will be a central part of the only interest in this weekend’s Formula One season-ending grand prix in Brazil.

With the 2011 drivers’ title already in the hands of Webber’s Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel, the focus is on second place.

Webber has an outside chance of snaring the runner-up spot in the championship, but will probably have to rely on problems affecting more favoured rivals Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso. McLaren’s Button has a 10-point edge over Spanish Ferrari driver Alonso and a comfortable 18-point lead over Webber. The Australian won in Brazil in 2009 but, after two victories that season and four the following year, his form has faltered badly.

However Webber says he likes the track and is confident of a good race.

“Brazil is one of the best races of the year,” Webber said.

“It’s a track which reminds me of Brands Hatch (in England) and the Formula Ford racing there because it’s a like a bowl in terms of the atmosphere.

“There are nice memories for me from Brazil.

“I’ve always done well there so I hope I can get a nice result. It would be a great way to end the season with a good last race.”

Button said that after teammate Lewis Hamilton’s win in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago and he finished third that “the McLaren still wants to win races even though both championships are now settled”.

The Briton will finish the season as runner-up if he wins in Brazil or finishes ahead of Alonso and Webber.

“Winning the last race of the year is always a very special thing,” Button said.

“And also in Brazil, the Sao Paulo circuit is very special. There is a lot of history there.

“I’ve struggled to qualify there in the past, but I’ve had some very good races.

“I also have great memories from Sao Paulo because that’s where I won the world championship back in 2009.”

It was also where Button went through one of the scariest moments of his life after armed men attempted to attack the armoured car he was in while leaving the track after qualifying last year.

The incident has prompted authorities to provide every F1 driver with police escorts to and from the circuit which is located in one of the poorest parts of the city.

Vettel secured the title long ago, and his only motivation this weekend might be trying to surpass Nigel Mansell for most pole positions in a season.

The German took his 14th pole to tie the record in Abu Dhabi and has a chance to earn his 15th at Interlagos. The 24-year-old has failed to secure pole only four times in 18 races this season.