Webber delighted with third

The team was put up for sale at the end of last month by owners Ford, but Webber and the squad at Suzuka are determined that the Big Cat will go out on a high.

The Aussie put in a sensational lap in pre-qualifying to set him up perfectly for an almost dry run in qualifying proper. Fourth from last to go out, Webber stole the provisional pole spot from BAR's Takuma Sato and despite being overhauled himself just minutes later, he at least had the satisfaction of setting the fastest third sector time in the session.

"Qualifying one definitely put us in a good position for the main qualifying position itself," he said, "giving us the best, or some of the best, conditions in terms of the track, so that lap was the most important one this morning and then second one was a bit easier in some ways. Enjoyable to drive, tyres did a good job and the car was good so I'm looking forward to the race."

Webber praised the team's efforts in the difficult circumstances, but admitted this afternoon's race would be tough.

"The race team has been extremely professional," he said. "You'd expect nothing less. The guys only know how to work one way and in China we did as best we could. It's going to be a tough race for us, but we'll give it absolutely everything and see what we can get out of it, but it would be nice to finish on a high for the guys."