Formula 1 Events

A WEEK after Australia’s motor sport hero Casey Stoner raced to another victory, Mark Webber can only dream of a similar finish in the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park.

Webber, 31, is yet to win at the top level in 105 starts over six seasons. Indeed, he has stood on the podium just twice.

Contrast that record with Stoner, the MotoGP world champion and young Australian of the year, who has 18 wins from 96 starts in all classes after his victory in Qatar, and it would not surprise if Webber is jealous of his compatriot.

Not so, according to the Queanbeyan-born driver, who said Stoner’s dominance over the past year is simply an example of what can be achieved with the right combination of talent and horsepower.

"For me, it is going to be difficult to achieve what Casey has achieved on the bikes," he said. "But if you asked Casey a while ago if he thought in his wildest dreams that was going to happen to him, he’d say probably not, but it is and he is on fire at the moment and doing well."

Stoner’s success has been a shot in the arm for two-wheel racing in this country, with thousands flocking to Phillip Island in October to cheer on the 22-year-old on his way to joining Wayne Gardiner and Mick Doohan as Australian world champions.

As the country’s only F1 representative in a sport that is rapidly losing traction in Australia, Webber admits a similar breakthrough would be a boost in terms of increasing spectator attendance and, more importantly, keeping the race in Melbourne.

"It would do, because that is what is happening with Casey," Webber said. "Casey has hit the sweet spot. He is something special and people are excited about what he is achieveing.

"He is an extraordinary talent, he’s riding unreal and the country has fallen for him, because people love being associated with people who are successful. That is what happens and rightly so."

Despite his lack of success at the top level, Webber takes pride in the fact he competes in what is arguably the most competitive form of motor sport.

The Red Bull star does not want to diminish Stoner’s feats, but Webber believes it is more difficult to succeed in F1.

"The comparison, well both of us are at the highest level in our respective sports, but I think nine (seven) of the last 20 years of MotoGP are Australian world champions, with Mick (Doohan) and Wayne Gardiner and Casey, whereas we haven’t had any in F1," he said.

"AJ (Alan Jones) is the last (Australian) to win a race and that was 30 (27) years ago.

"We are just more successful on bikes. It is not easier there, because there is still ferocious competition to get there, but I think the whole dirt bike, dirt track and the training for that is a bit tangible, a bit easier for guys to show their talent.

"It is a little bit more of a minefield for young Australians to get to Formula One."

It is a premise with which local motor-racing expert Neal Bates agrees.

"Bike racing is a bit cheaper, so it is probably a little easier," Bates said. "Plus, Australia has a very good name internationally when it comes to bikes, so I think agents are out there looking for young talent. But it must be said that anyone who reaches the top in any form of motorsport is exceptionally talented and at the top of their game."

Bates, who saw Webber at Christmas, said he was hopeful the Australian’s car would be reliable this season.

"He hasn’t been with the right team at the right time, but he is an incredibly talented driver. If you look at any motorsport, it is about the right team at the right time," Bates said.

"You look at Lewis Hamilton. Mark Webber is probably every bit as talented as he is, but Hamilton ended up at McLaren at exactly the right time.

"Unfortunately Mark went to Willams when they were struggling, but Red Bull may be on the move and I think this year could be very good for Mark.