Webber claims F1 centre stage

Australia's racing fraternity and media this week hailed Mark Webber after he won the German Grand Prix, becoming the first Aussie to win a Formula One race since Alan Jones in Las Vegas in 1981.

The 32-year-old Red Bull driver's victory last Sunday was also a personal triumph, coming at the 130th attempt.

It might also be timely given doubts about the future of the Australian Grand Prix, with race chief Ron Walker indicating last week that the Melbourne street race may be scrapped if disunity in the sport is not resolved in the near future.

"He drove like a star, his Red Bull team got the tactics exactly right and he delivered on all the promise he has shown since he first raced Formula Ford in Australia," Paul Gover, the motoring writer for Sydney's The Herald-Sun said.

"Based on his performance at the Nürburgring, Webber will win races again before the end of the year and is now a dark horse for the world championship behind points leader Jenson Button and [team-mate Sebastian] Vettel."

"It's no less than he deserves," said Gover after Webber came home ahead of Red Bull's Vettel in the team's second successive one-two at the Nürburgring.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) sent a message of congratulations. "This is a great day for Mark and we are so happy to see him get the win he deserves," AGPC chief executive Drew Ward said in a statement.

"All Australians should be very proud of Mark's achievements. His dedication to racing is inspirational and we look forward to continued success for the rest of the season."

The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Limited (CAMS) said Webber was an example to Australia's up-and-coming drivers.

"It is incredible to see him achieve success after years of hard work and dedication," said CAMS chief executive Graham Fountain in a written statement.

"Mark, you have done the Australian motor sport community and the nation very proud."

Expert motor sports writer Stuart Sykes said Webber's victory was reward for his hard work.

"I know exactly how hard he and his small team around him worked to get him where he is," said Sykes.

"He epitomises much that is good about being an Australian and it's just an absolute reward for effort, endeavour and some very real talent behind the wheel."

Webber's triumph comes eight months after suffering a fractured right leg when he was hit head-on by a car while cycling in a multi-sport charity event in Tasmania.

Gover added: "As he jumped joyously from his car, you could still see the lingering limp and special leg protection he carries from the mountain bike crash last year that could so easily have ended his career."

Webber's father, Alan, said his win was a relief.

"The monkey's off his back now, he had a screw out of his leg... and he had another screw taken out there three weeks ago," he said.

"It may have helped a little bit, but he was really on the pace, was strong and dominant all weekend."

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