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Red Bull emotionally backing Vettel - Webber

ESPNF1 Staff
November 5, 2010 « Alonso happy for Massa to win in Brazil | »

Mark Webber reckons Sebastian Vettel has received more personal support within Red Bull this year.

The team insists it treats both its drivers equally and will continue to do so at the final two races, despite Webber leading Vettel by 14 points in the championship and being Fernando Alonso's closest rival for the title.

When asked by journalists if he feels the team is still fully supporting him, Autosport reported Webber as saying: "Technically everything's been very, very good." But asked if it was the same on the personal side, he said: "It's obvious isn't it."

He added: "Of course when young, new chargers come onto the block, that's where the emotion is. That's the way it is. Which is absolutely fine, because I've had a great opportunity and a great car to go and do some great things this year, and I have done that. That's what I've just explained. I've got favourites in life. I've got people I like to be with. That's how it is. It's human nature."

Webber's comments are not only a reaction to Red Bull's apparent reluctance to back him over Vettel with two races to go, but Gerhard Berger's claim that he tried to deliberately take out his rivals in Korea two weeks ago.

Asked if he was surprised to see the Austrian's comments aired on a Red Bull-run television station, Webber answered: "Absolutely."

He went on to claim his competitiveness this year, and the points situation now, is an "inconvenience" to Red Bull, and doubts the team's support will swing in his favour.

"If it hasn't happened by now, it's never going to happen," said Webber.

Team boss Christian Horner responded by saying Webber's comments about inequality will not have gone down well among the team ranks.

"I think the members of the team would be greatly hurt to see what Mark has said, if he has said that."

Vettel was reluctant to comment specifically on the developing affair, but made clear the fact that the goings-on at Red Bull this year mean he and Webber will never be friends.

"Do I think there is any conspiracy in the air? No, it's the last thing I think about," Vettel said.

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