Webber surprised by front row place

Webber moved to the top of the times in Q3 thanks to a his final run, but was demoted to second when McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen completed his last flying lap.

The result was the best for Webber this season and was also Red Bull's strongest qualifying showing so far.

"A bit of a surprise actually," admitted Webber. "We have been pretty strong most of the weekend but I didn't know how strong until Q2. In relation to the rest of the guys we are normally competing against we have a good margin.

"It is a credit to the team. They have worked so hard like all the teams have. It is a bit of a home grand prix for our Red Bull guys and it is a proud moment for them, so five percent of the job done.

"It could be wet tomorrow but we have done our job today. I can't wait for tomorrow."

The Australian confessed Silverstone has always brought good memories to him.

"This is the first track I drove on in Europe away from Australia," he added. "Having won here in F3, sportscars... it has been a good place for me and happy hunting ground."

Teammate David Coulthard will start the race from 11th place after just missing the cut to go into Q3.