Mark Webber believes front row for Spanish Grand Prix was possible

Webber stayed in the pits at the end of Q2 after posting a time that put him in second position behind Lewis Hamilton early in the session.

The Australian had planned to save a set of soft tyres for Q3, but ultimately the plan backfired on him as the track conditions improved and he was knocked out.

Initially Webber was confident that his lap was good enough to take him through to Q3.

"I think in Q2 just how much the track was improving caught us out. My first lap in Q2 was competitive, P2 to Lewis, but one tenth of a second was enough to cost us a front row.

"As soon as I got back they said 'Mark perfect lap, get ready for Q3', but with 60 seconds to go I started to shit myself and that was it," he said.

"I think I was in a position definitely to go through to Q3 having used one set but we used them at the wrong time because we got exposed by the track positions. In China and Malaysia the track conditions haven't changed that much and that is what bit us in the arse."

However, the policy did allow Webber to save four sets of tyres for tomorrow's race, and he is confident that he will be able to make the most of his predicament after setting competitive times throughout the weekend.

"I was still very encouraged by the times we did in relation to other people, but then ultimately the track manipulated itself into a position where my first run wasn't enough," he said.

"I have a lot of options tomorrow, three sets of primes and a new set of options."