• Korean Grand Prix

Webber blames poor start for second place

Sebastian Vettel held off Mark Webber in to turn three on the opening lap © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Korean Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Mark Webber

• Teams:
• Red Bull

Mark Webber has highlighted the start of the race as the reason he had to settle for second place in the Korean Grand Prix.

Having qualified on pole position, Webber was beaten off the line by team-mate Sebastian Vettel in to turn one and couldn't regain the position in to turn three. From that point on, Vettel controlled the race as all of the teams managed tyre concerns, and Webber explained how he couldn't respond once he was in second place.

"The start wasn't sensational, I'll have to look in to it but the initial getaway wasn't too great," Webber said. "It's not the best corner to lead off so I thought 'OK we won't risk too much in the first corner' and then I got a good slipstream off Sebastian but it was just neck-and-neck for us along the back straight. Then after that I just tried to hang in the best I could."

With many radio messages going to Vettel as Red Bull was concerned about tyre wear, Webber revealed he had the same issue and wasn't comfortable until the final stint.

"Then it was just about tyres really; looking after the front right at the end of each stint. It was difficult to keep the front right alive, so the first two stints were quite tricky for me and then the last stint I was much happier with the balance but it was all too late then. Good drive for Seb, a great day for the team, the guys did a great job. Of course I'm disappointed but I'm happy to get a good result on the other side as well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.