Mark Webber is already looking to next season as tries to halt the march of Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
Australian says he needs a better start to next season
Mark Webber has already started looking to the 2012 Formula One season as he seeks to try and halt the march of rampant Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
Last year, the Australian went toe to toe with Vettel and even had the edge heading into the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi. However, it was the German who took the title in the Middle East to become F1's youngest world champion.
This season, Webber and the rest of Vettel's championship rivals have been an also-rans as the 24-year-old, who can clinch the title in Singapore on Sunday, has dominated.
Webber said: "He (Vettel) had a great run at the start of the year.
"I wasn't really on top of everything at the start. I had quite a few reliability issues as well, which is never ideal.
"My form has improved in the last few races, but unfortunately when I was in the lead in Germany I didn't have the car to win anyway.
"That was difficult, and then there was Spa, which was probably the most frustrating race of the year.
"I was the quickest guy in the race, but I had to deal with a tough start and I missed the safety car with a free pit stop.
"It was a missed opportunity, but that happens, and anyway it was going to be very difficult for me to put a championship together against Seb given the start he had."
Important
As for next year, Webber added: "We need to have a better start to the championship.
"I need to have a similar year to last year, to out-qualify him more often, which was certainly the case last year, to get track position and get the (first) stops.
"That is important. If you don't get that you are always going to finish one position behind.
"If you are on the road one-two or two-three, you never really get the momentum."
Webber, 35, who almost certainly will be going into his final year with Red Bull in 2012, knows he will require help from the entire team to challenge Vettel.
"Obviously we need 100% support from them as well," said Webber.
"You both need to have the chance to put your best foot forward and get the most out of it.
"We know it is a very, very technical sport and is measured in very fine margins, and momentum is very, very important.
"So you have a good winter programme, go to the first few races and start to lay the foundations into another year.
"This team is getting quite experienced now and I need to work hard with them, and they need to work hard with me in executing and getting the best results possible."
