Mark Webber warns rivals not to expect to close on Red Bull in 2012

With McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes GP all confident that they can make the steps needed to knock Red Bull Racing off the top, Webber still has faith that design genius Adrian Newey can still deliver improvements for 2012.

"I think they [Red Bull's rivals] would probably prefer to keep it pretty similar, because if you give Adrian [Newey] a clean slate again they'd probably be a bit nervous," said Webber about the implications of stable rules for 2012 - with the only major change being the effective ban on blown diffusers.

"We still know he's capable of designing good cars in between small regulation changes. That'll have to be the case next year."

Although Webber's points tally has contributed to helping Red Bull Racing's position in the constructors' championship, the Australian admits that he has not done as good a job as team-mate Sebastian Vettel this year.

However, he does not believe the campaign has been a total write off, and he is optimistic he can still challenge strongly in the remaining races of the year.

"I think it hasn't been a disastrous season," he said. "It's been a long way from what Sebastian's done. He's had a strong year in anyone's book. Any of us.

"If you look at any of the guys who have wrapped championships up, it was quite unusual what happened this year, purely because of the form he's had. And he's put together a great campaign and still is. So that's what happened.

"I've had one non-finish, scored quite a few points and still done okay. Even though Seb has won a lot of races, they've been tight races and that's the way it's been. Whether you say, 'I'd like to be fifth in the constructors' with three DNFs and two wins, or... It's like saying how do you skin a cat?'

"There are still some good races to come, and I am looking forward to ending with some good races. In Suzuka I was pretty happy. I couldn't have done much more. The four of us were very equal on pace so yes, I had a pretty good start and a pretty positive race."

Webber believes that this campaign has shown how form can turn around quickly in F1 - with Jenson Button having a brilliant campaign at McLaren.

"It is different to last year, where I led a lot of laps and won a few races. This year I haven't looked like winning a race or leading much. It's gone the opposite way for Jenson.

"Last year he won some races, but didn't really have the form in the dry. This year he's driving sensationally well; had a great year, while it's gone the other way a bit for me and for Lewis. But you never give up. You keep going. That's what it's about. This year will be over soon.

"I'm not wishing it away at all. I really enjoyed Suzuka and I think it'll be a cracker here too. Brazil, India... there are some good races to come."