Webber cut for F1 crown after Silverstone success
MARK WEBBER was cut to 6-1 from 14-1 to land the F1 world championship after grabbing a late victory in Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
Proving that the weather is just as unpredictable as the races the Silverstone crowd were bathed in sunshine despite showers being forecast following two days of torrential rain.
Webber became only the second driver to win a second race this season, the Red Bull ace having also triumphed in Monaco, as he swept past Fernando Alonso – the season’s other double winner – with just a handful of laps remaining.
Starting from pole, Alonso went off favourite for the race at 5-2 and looked set to extend his championship advantage as he led for most of the race.
But the Ferrari driver had opted for a different tyre strategy from Webber’s, and was unable to resist the Aussie’s finishing kick on the quicker hard tyres.
Webber, who lives a short drive away from Silverstone in Buckinghamshire, continued a superb record at the track where he has finished on the podium in each of the last four years, including two wins.
The 35-year-old is without a contract for next season but has been linked with Ferrari if Red Bull opt not to keep him, and Sunday’s result will surely boost his negotiating position.
Bet365 offer 5-6 that he wins five or more races this season, and the same price that he adds two or fewer victories during the remaining 11 races.
Alonso held off a fast-finishing Sebastian Vettel for second place and remains in the lead of the championship with a 13-point margin over Webber. The Spaniard is also at the head of the betting for the title at a top-priced 15-8, and many bookmakers left his price unchanged.
That also applies to Vettel, who remains 9-4 to add a third straight championship.
Read Monday's Racing Post for Adams Scriven's full British Grand Prix betting reaction and the final thoughts from Silverstone of sports editor Phil Agius
