Jaguar Determined to Hang On to Webber

Jaguar hope they can do enough this season to convince highly-rated Australian driver Mark Webber to stay with them, team boss Tony Purnell said on Sunday.

"It's up to us to show him that this team is worth sticking with," said Purnell at the launch of their new R5 car. "Everyone keeps saying Williams are going to ring up. They haven't. We definitely would like to keep him and we've already got an agreement to keep Mark in 2005."

Webber was a revelation last season, qualifying as high as third on the grid and scoring all but one of the Ford-owned team's 18 points.

The Australian, who finished fifth on his debut with Minardi in 2002, has been linked to BMW-powered Williams as a replacement for Juan Pablo Montoya when the Colombian joins McLaren next year.

Williams' first champion was Australian Alan Jones in 1980. Webber is managed by Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore and there has also been speculation that he could be headed there.

"We've got some contractual things that are on our side," said Purnell. "The atmosphere he brings is very positive, he feels part of the team and we've had some jokes about things we've read in the press. I would like to think that we can keep the present line-up for quite a time."

Jaguar managing director David Pitchforth added: "We've got to do a good job. If we can produce a racing car that does a good job and is worthy of Mark Webber then there's not a problem in that direction."

The 27-year-old Australian, compared to Ferrari's Michael Schumacher for his fitness and team spirit, said he was only thinking about Jaguar and his first podium finish.

"What's important here and what you have to remember is that the Jaguar team has been phenomenal for Mark Webber and I am very, very committed to them until 2005," he said.

"If various other teams are quite happy with what has happened then that is a nice pat on the back but this game is one of the most fickle sports in the world so I'm not waking up thinking about the big teams each day.

"Yes, Mark Webber wants to win Grands Prix and that might be difficult to do in the next two years...so we have to look at all scenarios and Jaguar of course is there."

Jaguar finished seventh overall last year. The team have yet to win a race in four seasons.