Mark Webber celebrated his win by throwing his helmet into the Spanish crowd after dominating the race from start to finish, which the Australian hailed as a great weekend.
“It was certainly a great weekend,” Webber said. “You can’t ask for anything more than to win a race from pole position, and that’s what we did. I’m absolutely stoked, both for myself and for the team because everyone has worked unbelievable hours over the last few weeks. Weekends, bank holidays – you name it, they’ve worked it and I hope this result makes it all worthwhile.”
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were the only drivers to pressure Webber in the early stages of the race, but an unfortunate puncture put the Brit out of action on the penultimate lap and a brake issue left Vettel coasting to the checkered flag.
That left Webber with a 20+ second gap to Fernando Alonso, allowing the Red Bull driver to relax before crossing the line.
“I knew that Lewis [Hamilton] had got passed Seb at the pitstops, even with the nine-second lead that I had at the time, I couldn’t relax because Lewis knows how to drive and he was in a McLaren that was showing pretty good race pace.
“I pressed home my advantage whenever I knew he was in traffic and was able to increase my lead quite easily.
“I told a few people over the winter that I’d do something a bit different if I won a race this year,” Webber said. “When I got out of my car at the end of the race, the crowd opposite the pits was going mad so I vaulted the pitwall and threw my helmet into the grandstand. It was probably a bit sweaty, but I’m sure someone will have had fun wearing it!
“I’m one of only three drivers to have finished in the points at every race this year and I’m now fourth in the points table, less than one victory behind world championship leader Jenson Button. There’s still a long way to go in the title fight and I’m still taking each race as it comes, but it’s important to be in contention.”
Webber will have little time to celebrate his victory as he must now travel to Monaco where practice, as is tradition, starts on Thursday giving team’s little time to prepare.
“I’m looking forward to Monaco, it’s the ultimate challenge for the drivers and the teams, but it’s a challenge I feel ready for. I’m looking forward to it.”
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