Webber delighted with season best result

The result was also his best since last year's European Grand Prix, where the Australian finished on the podium.

The Red Bull driver has now finished in the points in the last three races for a total of eight points.

"I'm very, very happy," admitted Webber. "The team worked very hard following the test to get all the parts ready in time and it paid off. We didn't have a great start to today's race, but we had good pace and we were there at the end, it's a great to get a strong finish.

"I didn't have very good grip in the final stint, but we weren't under pressure at that point, so were okay. I'm happy with my driving and the team did an excellent job."

In contrast, teammate David Coulthard had a very difficult day which included two accidents, first with Adrian Sutil and then with Timo Glock, who punctured the Scot's tyre.

In the end, Coulthard went on to finish in 12th.

"It's a horrible thing about being down near the end of the grid - you try to keep out of trouble, but it's never so easy," he said. "I got whacked by Sutil going into Turn four and picked up some light damage to the side of the car, but after that I was running okay.

"After my pitstop, I took a defensive line into Turn four and five to show Glock that I knew he was there, but he hit the rear of my car and punctured a tyre."