Key Moments – Spanish Grand Prix 2010

Key Moments: Spanish Grand Prix

Mark Webber was untouchable in the Spanish Grand Prix and finished the race a full 24 seconds clear of his nearest challenger (and that’s after he slowed down for the chequered flag). The Red Bull had a significant advantage in Barcelona, but Webber still had to work for the victory and gave himself the opportunity to win during two key moments in the race.

Webber effectively won the Grand Prix at the first corner since he was able to exploit the Red Bull’s advantage with a clear track in front of him.

THE START

Webber made a solid start off the line but was caught on the run towards the first corner by Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Remembering his costly mistake in Malaysia, Mark moved to the inside heading towards turn one and stayed there. In doing so, Webber pushed Vettel to the outside (who in turn took care of Alonso) but he also gave Lewis enough room on the right to avoid an accident. Hamilton had a brief look up the inside but figured there was no way through without destroying his run through the first corner.

A younger Lewis Hamilton, such as the one who scuttled the field at the start of the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix, might have acted differently.

Webber timed his defensive move, and his braking, to perfection and it gave him the chance to win the Spanish Grand Prix.

LAPS 12-16

The biggest challenge to Webber's lead came during the early round of pitstops. To protect his position during this crucial phase of the race, Webber nailed a series of quick laps leading up to his stop on lap 17. He increased the gap back to Sebastian Vettel, and although Mark didn't end up needing that buffer, it ensured that he rejoined with a comfortable lead.

Mark Webber won the Spanish Grand Prix thanks to the sheer speed of his Red Bull, but he was only able to make use of that due to his efforts defending the early challenges from behind.

Posted by Martin Porter. - Follow him on twitter @mpondaweb.

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