• Canadian Grand Prix

Engine hesitation problem hampers Webber

Mark Webber finished seventh despite starting fourth © Sutton Images

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• Report:
• Hamilton makes it seven from seven
  

• Race:
• Canadian Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Mark Webber

• Teams:
• Red Bull

Mark Webber's Canadian Grand Prix was compromised by an engine hesitation problem in the early stages of the race.

Starting from fourth on the grid, Webber maintained his position off the line but was unable to keep pace with Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso ahead. It has since transpired that the a problem with the engine prevented him from staying in touch and eventually left him caught in a battle with the likes of Kimi Raikkonen and Sergio Perez on a one-stop strategy.

"I knew it was going to be mixed up today, but not that mixed up," Webber said. "In the first ten laps, we had a small issue with the engine which we had to manage, but then I settled into the pace. We pitted and came out behind the one stoppers. It's hard to get it right here - if you push to try and pass you kill the tyres but if you wait, then you find you're on the same strategy and finish behind them anyway. I think ultimately we were quick at times today and it's good that we finished in the points. With hindsight we could have done a different strategy, but it's easy to say that now and I've had worse days than today."

Team principal Christian Horner confirmed Webber's problem, but also highlighted trouble with tyre wear as a reason why he was unable to get clear of the battles behind to eventually finish in seventh place.

"[Webber] had an engine hesitation in the first few laps, but then he settled into a good rhythm," Horner said. "Again we were heavy on the tyres towards the end of the stints and it was clearer with Mark to go to a two stop earlier, but unfortunately the one stoppers managed to get ahead. So, a tactical race, a tricky race, but nonetheless we have still managed to salvage respectable points today."

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