Grapevine: Webber drops in Castrol Rankings
Mark Webber's spectacular exit from last weekend's European Grand Prix dropped him to third place in the Castrol Rankings, behind Lewis Hamilton
Webber, who would have taken the top spot had he won the race from pole, instead found himself involved in a horrible accident after hitting the back of Heikki Kovalainen's Lotus and did not finish the race.
His retirement ensured that his Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel, who won at Valencia from pole position, hung on to his number one spot for a 13th straight week.
It also allowed McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton, second at Valencia, to overhaul him for second place overall. Great Britain has now replaced Australia at the head of the Castrol Nations Ranking as a result.
There were significant climbs for fellow F1 men Robert Kubica (14) and Kamui Kobayashi (75), who gained three and 17 places respectively.
Michael Schumacher (107) was another climber, and should crack the top 100 after next weekend's British Grand Prix. Felipe Massa (54) though, went the other way, his race being spoiled by the safety car and the Brazilian falling six places.
The only non-F1 driver in the Castrol Rankings top 10 to see action last weekend was Jimmie Johnson, who cemented his fourth place with a victory at New Hampshire aboard his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.
GP2 wins at Valencia for Pastor Maldonado (114) and Marcus Ericsson (127) moved the pair up five and 20 places respectively, while GP3 victors Esteban Gutierrez (130) and Nico Muller (641) gained 41 and 228 spots.
Intercontinental Rally Challenge Champion Kris Meeke's (120) title defence went from bad to worse as he rolled out of second place on the Ypres Rally, costing himself 30 places. Skoda man Freddy Loix (327) won.
To see the full Castrol Rankings, visit www.castroldriverrankings.com
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