Webber shines in third free practice

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Webber shines in third free practice

Mark Webber has set the pace for the second straight time at the Spa, stopping the clock at two minutes and 8,988 seconds as fastest lap. Hamilton was the second fastest, while Jaime Alguersuari of Toro Rosso provided the surprise of the day.

Webber spent just seven laps on the track, while Lewis Hamilton, who was just .058 seconds slower than the Aussie, eight. Alguersuari came third fastest on the wet track, being followed by Jenson Button who was the first to set a 1+ second gap. World champion Sebastian Vettel, who had failed to shine in the previous two terms, came fifth, 1,414 seconds behind his team mate who has become the main favorite for the pole position.

Sebastien Buemi impressed with a sxith best time, coming 1,592 seconds behind the leader and more than 0,300 seconds faster than his follower Nico Rosberg, who had set the second best time in the fisrt session. Adrian Sutil and Bruno Senna were among the big surprises, setting a 2,449 and 2,676 second gap respectively.

Former world leader Michael Schumacher, who had come the fastest in the first session, came tenth, 2,679 seconds slower than Webber, being followed by Paulo di Resta with a 2,886 second gap. Five other drivers set a 4+m second gap, including Heikki Kovalainen of Lotus, Vitaly Petrov, who had set the worst time in the previous practice, Williams’Rubens Barrichello, Maldonado and Sauber’s Kamui Kobayashi.

Lotus’ Trulli set a 5,346 second gap, being followed by Virgin’s Trulli and Timo Glock. Hispania grabbed the worst gaps, while Fernando Alonso completed just five laps due to some problems.

Webber has been offered an extension deal in Belgium as the Aussie is now expected to stay at Red Bull until the 2012 season. The 25 year old, who still lacks a title this season, has grabbed a second place in Turkey and five three places.

“I want to continue racing at the top in Formula One so it’s a no-brainer to remain at Red Bull Racing for another year. My motivation to achieve the best results possible both for myself and the team is still very high,” said the veteran driver.

Red Bull’s boss Christian Horner has also looked pleased to have the Aussie on their side for yet another season. “Mark knows the team well, having been with us since 2007, and his motivation, fitness and commitment is as high as it has ever been,” he said.

Webber sits second in the rankings, behind his team mate Vettel who is chasing his seventh title of the season in Belgium. Red Bull are also top of the table with 711 points, 213 more than their main followers McLaren who have won four titles this season.

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