Webber bites chunk out of Alonso’s title lead

Mark Webber took a seven-point bite out of Fernando Alonso’s title lead on Sunday by winning at Silverstone.

Red Bull’s speed over the rest of the field was not as stark as two weeks ago at Valencia, but in the closing laps Spaniard Alonso could not hold his lead of the race to the charging Australian.

Ferrari driver Alonso’s 20-point lead over Webber was therefore cut to thirteen in Britain, at the mid-point of the thrilling 2012 season.

“We lost some points to Mark but we gained some points to the rest of the field,” said Alonso.

Told on the podium by Sir Jackie Stewart that at least he still has the championship lead, the two-time title winner agreed: “Yes, that’s the main target.”

Ferrari’s improvement since Australia has been staggering, but team boss Stefano Domenicali insisted there will be be no resting on these laurels.

“We are at the crucial part of the season,” he told BBC television, “and we need to keep the pace and keep working because the others are very strong.”

Race winner Webber not only took a bite out of the championship lead on Sunday, he might also have sealed the lid on his 2013 contract.

“Mark is doing a great job for us,” agreed team boss Christian Horner after Sunday’s race, “we love having him in the team.

“We have agreed to sit down (for talks) in the next couple of weeks.”

Unlikely to be sitting down for a civil chat, however, are Sergio Perez and Pastor Maldonado, the Mexican slamming his Venezuelan rival as a “stupid driver” after their clash.

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