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March 27, 2013

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Webber will compete in Chinese GP, claims father

MARK Webber is not considering his future in Formula One and will drive in next month's Chinese Grand Prix despite a strained relationship with Sebastian Vettel, his father said yesterday.

The Australian, 36, was incensed when his Red Bull teammate defied orders and overtook him to snatch victory in Sunday's Malaysia Grand Prix.

He returned to Australia for some reflection and was reported to be contemplating missing the April 14 Chinese Grand Prix, but his father Alan said his son would be on the Shanghai starting grid. "We'll be up in China for the next one," Alan Webber told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

After the race Vettel said "I'm not proud I did it" and Webber's father said he believed the triple world champion was sincere, but the damage to the already fractured relationship was done.

"I think it will take a while to earn the respect and trust again," he said.

Webber said it was not just his son who was upset with the German, pointing out that the Britain-based Red Bull team had also expressed its displeasure.

"Sebastian disobeyed team orders and most, if not all the team, are disappointed with him," he said.

"Up and down pit lane Mark has not lost any credibility at all. It's probably Sebastian who has lost an awful lot."

He said Red Bull co-owner Dietrich Mateschitz had confirmed his son's position on the team was "assured".

After the Malaysia race there were none of the customary team celebrations on the pit wall and Vettel received lukewarm congratulations from colleagues.

Vettel leads the drivers' championship on 40 points, with Webber third on 26. Red Bull is also on top of the constructors' standings with 66 points.



 

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