Webber a championship contender

A year ago Red Bull Renault racer Mark Webber was recuperating from a serious leg injury sustained in a bicycling accident.

Despite concerns from both Red Bull and Webber himself, 2009 proved to be a strong season for the Australian racer as he remained in championship contention for much of the season, taking two wins and finished fourth overall with 69.5 points.

While team-mate Sebastian Vettel currently gets much of the limelight, Webber could well be a championship contender this year according to 1980 champion Alan Jones.

"He’s already displayed that he’s got the speed, he’s got the stamina, he’s very fit and he’s very consistent," the Australian told Speedcafe.com.au. "They’re the things you need for a championship.

“Winning your first race is certainly a terrific morale booster and I believe that Mark drove with a lot more confidence after he won his first Grand Prix," he continued. "He had a handle on what to do and, providing Red Bull give him a good car this year, which I think they will, he’s well set at having a crack at the championship.”

Jones acknowledges that nothing is ever easy in Formula One and that while some years can be easier than others, 2010 will be a highly competitive season.

“Formula One has never been easy," he said. "There’s always some bugger or buggers who will give you a task, because to get into F1, you’ve got to be very good and have a bit of mettle about you. It’s not easy and this year is going to be no different.”