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How Ogier’s scary crash opened up Finnish WRC history for Pajari

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WRC
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Why Lindblad hasn’t felt the pressure in F1

Feature
Formula 1
Why Lindblad hasn’t felt the pressure in F1

Fairclough finally flies in GB3 at Silverstone as Bedrin maintains his advantage

National
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Ogier commits to contest all remaining WRC rounds in bid for 10th title

WRC
Rally Finland
Ogier commits to contest all remaining WRC rounds in bid for 10th title

Every circuit to have hosted a WEC round since 2012

WEC
Every circuit to have hosted a WEC round since 2012

Early BMW Super Tourer and Polley Toyota recreation among Touring Car Rewind highlights

National
Early BMW Super Tourer and Polley Toyota recreation among Touring Car Rewind highlights

How WRC drivers reacted to FIA’s landmark promoter deal

WRC
Rally Finland
How WRC drivers reacted to FIA’s landmark promoter deal

Webber relieved to get first F1 win

Mark Webber concedes he is relieved to have finally scored his maiden Formula 1 victory after 130 grands prix

The Red Bull Racing driver put on a superb performance at the German Grand Prix on Sunday, overcoming a drive-through penalty to win his first F1 race.

The Australian admitted it was a big relief to finally end his drought.

"That's probably true," said Webber when asked if the sense of relief was bigger than the sense of achievement.

"I've done a lot of races and for a huge majority of them, I didn't have a chance of winning because the car wasn't up to it and also, they featured a guy called Michael Schumacher and he tended to do a bit of damage himself.

"In that era, you needed to be in a Ferrari or a McLaren. Now, in this new era of F1, there are other teams in the mix and I am very happy that the situation with Red Bull Racing means we are in a position to challenge for podiums and wins at every grand prix, as long as we get things right."

Webber also believes his maiden victory will only help him be a stronger driver.

"I've now crossed the uncharted waters of pole position and a victory, so that can only help. It can't be a hindrance, that's for sure," he added.

"To lead and not be the chaser was a first for me. I hope that the momentum can continue, even if there is no doubt there will be some tough races in the future. But getting this first win means that when it's close, the races might seem more straightforward for me."

Webber admitted he is expecting the fight between himself and team-mate Sebastian Vettel to reflect in the championship situation, but he reckons one of them will eventually have to play a supporting role if the title is at stake.

"Sebastian and I might come across each other quite a bit in the races and that will be reflected in the points tally," said Webber, who is 1.5 points behind Vettel.

"It will continue to see-saw either way until one of us has a blip in performance. It's unrealistic to expect us to have one-two finishes through to the end of the year and there will be interesting grands prix to come.

"For the team, it's an incredible position to have both its drivers on virtually equal points, which bodes very well for the Constructors' Championship. Jenson (Button) is our big hurdle in the Drivers', as he is two grands prix in the lead in terms of points."

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