Webber: Third great in circumstances

While Nico Hulkenberg claimed a surprise pole for Williams, Webber was third - behind his Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel, but two places ahead of main championship rival Fernando Alonso's Ferrari.

"I enjoyed qualifying, it was a very challenging session for all of us," said Webber. "It's easy in those conditions to get things wrong, so I'm happy to be right towards the front and to get something out of last session.

"It was really, really tricky to get the clean laps in. I did my best and I'm close to Seb.

"I am happy. Could have easily have been 17th today, it was a tricky session for all the drivers. If you'd asked me before Q3 if I'd be happy with third, then maybe not, but after the session it was very tricky on slicks so it's good to be on second row, it's a good position for the start of the race.

"In the end, it was a sensational team performance today. We got everything apart from one position and JB [Jenson Button] had a tough day. We'll try to capitalise on that tomorrow, and there were a lot of positives from today."

Webber also reiterated that while he had voiced his unhappiness at some elements of the Red Bull team situation on Thursday, those concerns were not affecting his focus at all when he was in the car.

"When I'm in the car absolutely, it's completely clear, we've seen that with my performances in the last five or six races," he said.

"Korea didn't turn out but none of us have perfect seasons. Apart from that I'm happy with how I've driven and you cannot drive like that if not you're happy. The boys on the floor are clear to go and have a good race tomorrow. That is our focus."