Webber: It was a bit of a nightmare

Mark Webber: Today was a bit of a nightmare and you want to wake up tomorrow and have another go at it

08 Jul 2013

07.07.2013- Race, Mark Webber (AUS) Red Bull Racing RB9
© PHOTO 4

Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber has labelled his German Grand Prix 'a bit of a nightmare' and reckons he missed out on the chance to score a lot of points and challenge for the victory.

The Aussie made a good start and was running second early on to his team-mate and eventual winner, Sebastian Vettel. However on lap 8, it all went wrong in his first pit stop, when he was allowed to leave his stall without the right-rear being properly attached. The errant wheel went on to hit an FOM cameraman who, fortunately, escaped without serious injury.

While Webber then came back after going a lap behind to claim points - aided by the safety car - and passed Sergio Perez on the final lap in the final corner for P7, he was still pretty frustrated.

"Today was a bit of a nightmare and you want to wake up tomorrow and have another go at it," he said. "We had an excellent start and were in a great position leading up to the first stop with Seb, but we lost all of that. We lost a lot of points today and a chance to challenge for the win, but there's no rewind button now."

As for that botched pit-stop, Webber wasn't even aware anyone had been hit by the wheel until after the chequered flag had fallen and once appraised of the situation, his first thoughts were for the cameraman.

"I knew we had lost the tyre in the pit stop of course, but not that someone got hit by it. That's bad and I hope he is okay, that's the main thing," Webber added.

Meanwhile, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also said that the 'most important thing' is that the cameraman struck by the tyre didn't suffer any life threatening injuries [see separate story - HERE].

As for Webber's race, Horner felt the 36-year-old did well to come back and finish in the top-ten: "It was a strong recovery drive; he got back on to the lead lap through the pace car and then fought his way back into the points. It's a great shame that we couldn't have both cars right up there today [on the podium], but all credit to Mark for his very determined drive," Horner concluded.