Webber all out to make a splash

MARK WEBBER believes it is “now or never” for him to deliver in Formula One.

Webber is part of the Red Bull Racing driver line-up for the coming season, partnering David Coulthard after two very unhappy years with Williams.

The Australian was given his first taste of the new car at the team’s launch yesterday at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Last year was one of transition as Red Bull have long been gearing towards making an impression this season, especially with renowned designer Adrian Newey on board.

For Webber, who has finished on the podium just once in his 87-race career, 2007 is a year in which he feels he has to make his mark.

“Now or never? Yeah,” replied the 30-year-old when asked.

“It’s an important year, but then I’m still here. I feel I’ve done very well in comparison to some of the guys who have been on the other side of the garage. So I’ve a career in this sport, and I believe I can have another strong year this year.

“But I am not a guy who will drive around for 12th or 14th year after year. I will not do that. So again, yes this is an important year because I want to step forward for myself. It’s important to be able to compete.”

As to his overall prospects for the season, that at present is too difficult to gauge following a handful of laps in the RB3, although the early signs are encouraging.

“The car feels good, but there are still a lot of things going on that we have to get on top of,” Webber said.

“The car has only done 60 kilometres in its whole life, so it is very early days. I’d love to say it will do x, y and z, but I can’t because we do not have enough experience of this car yet.

“But my first impression is, yes, it will be good.”

One of the positive aspects for Webber is that he has a healthy, respectful relationship with Coulthard.

“There are always going to be comparisons because that is the way it is these days,” assessed Webber.

“In any form of motorsport, people look to where the opposite car is, and I think I’ll be okay. David and I know one another from the GPDA (Grand Prix Drivers’ Association), so I’ve spoken with him more than I have other drivers.

“So in becoming team-mates I pretty much know him as a person and his character, and we’re getting on fine.”