Webber: Third position is 'brilliant reward'

Webber, who has shone on a number of occasions already this year, was second only to the all-conquering Ferrari team at the A1-Ring.

"I am pleased with our start to the weekend," said Webber. "I was aiming for a top eight spot but P3 is simply a brilliant reward for all the hard work going on in this team. I really enjoyed the lap too, but like anything in life, you always want more!

"The car is particularly good into the corners and this gives you extra confidence on the entry. To be the highest placed Michelin runner is very encouraging indeed. As we showed in Barcelona, a reliable Jaguar crossing the finish line has the pace to score points and that's what we need more of this weekend. The early signals are good."

Webber's team-mate Antonio Pizzonia overcame brake troubles to set the ninth fastest time, prompting team chief Mark Gillan to remark that it was "a super performance from both our drivers".