NEWS With finish in sight, Webber and Vettel downplay rivalry (Feature)

By Kai Portmann Sep 24, 2010, 10:55 GMT

Singapore - Heading to the finish line in the championship Red Bull's Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel were on Friday eager to downplay their fierce rivalry ahead of Sunday's night race in Singapore.

Both drivers, who are separated by only 24 points in the Formula One driver's standing, clashed repeatedly during the season, verbally and on the track, and collided at the Turkish Grand Prix in May, with Vettel failing to finish the race.

'We are different characters, we tangled with each other several times,' said 23-year-old Vettel.

The German is ranked fifth in the standings with 163 points, while Webber is a surprising leader (187) going into the last five races of the championship.

'I think we are not really buddies,' said Vettel, who will have to finish with a good result on Singapore's Marina Bay Circuit to keep his title hopes alive.

However, there were no problems between Webber and him, said the 23-year-old German, adding that 'at least I don't have any problems with him.'

Webber also dismissed any talks of simmering tensions in the Red Bull team.

'There's some good healthy rivalry within the team, but personally it's been very rewarding and challenging for myself and I've enjoyed every part of the season so far this year mostly,' he said.

The competition with Vettel 'is pushing the car forward as well,' said the 34-year-old.

The team was doing 'its absolute utmost to give us both the same opportunities to get the results done,' Webber said.

In July, however, frictions in the team and between the two competing drivers were apparent at the Silverstone Grand Prix when Webber's new front wing was given to Vettel for the qualifying session.

Furious with the team, Webber complained that Vettel had received preferential treatment. The Australian, however, won with an old front wing.

But going into the final stretch of the season with the championship trophy within reach, Webber claimed the team was united.

'We as a team at Red Bull totally understand how unique this opportunity is and we are incredibly excited about trying to have a crack at winning some championships this year,' he said.

Webber said the team had to perform collectively to beat Ferrari and McLaren 'week in, week out.'

McLaren's Lewis Hamilton (182) and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (166), the Singapore event's two previous winners, rank close behind Webber. Current title holder Jenson Button (165) of McLaren is placed fourth just ahead of Vettel.

'I am coming here to try and win the race,' Webber said, weighing his chances in Singapore.

Vettel, on the other hand, preferred to stand in line and yield to Webber and the other drivers, at least publicly.

'I'm the last in the row,' he said, referring to the top contenders with realistic chances to win the championship.

'I'm the outsider, the others are the favourites,' said Vettel.