Webber keeps a lid on expectations

Currently the only Australian driver on the circuit, Webber is always the centre of attention when the Formula One circus comes to Melbourne.

While no Australian has ever finished on the podium at their home Grand Prix, expectations Webber would be the one to end that hoodoo grew after he finished fifth on his Grand Prix debut with Minardi in 2002.

"We've got a bit of a form guide on how the first two races went so there's a lot of questions that have been answered," Webber told reporters.

"There's probably not as much pressure, and when I put my helmet on, I could be racing anywhere - it's another race and I've got to get my stuff together...and get the best result possible."

Webber ditched Minardi after just one season for two fruitless years with Jaguar but when he returned to Melbourne last year with a plumb drive in the Williams team, the pressure was back on him to perform.

He finished a creditable fifth but there were no champagne corks popping or wild celebrations as there had been with Minardi.

The enormous expectations on Webber last year were partly fuelled by the fact the race was the first of the season but by year's end it was obvious the Williams car was off the pace.

And with this year's race pushed back to the third round to avoid clashing with the Commonwealth Games, and Williams again struggling to keep up with Renault, it's already evident Webber has his work cut out this weekend.

Sunday's race will be Webber's 71st start and he admits he has been frustrated by his failure to win.

"It's a competitive industry and there are a few people who love to do the winning," he said. "We'll get what we deserve - no more, no less.

"No-one's interested in the shopping list of excuses why it's not going to happen for you. You've just got to go out and do it."

Australia's former triple World Champion Jack Brabham is not holding out much hope for Webber.

Brabham, who turns 80 on Sunday, told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio he would love to see Webber win but doubts his car is good enough.

"He's not actually driving the best car unfortunately, but for the car he's got he's done very well so far. He's doing the best he can with the equipment he's got," Brabham said.

"I don't think he can win the race but if he gets up on the podium I think that would be very satisfying."

Brabham and Alan Jones are the only Australians to win a Grand Prix and while Webber has long been regarded as the most likely to emulate them.