Webber maintains focus

Mark Webber is refusing to let his dizzying spell of success go to his head as he attempts to focus on a third successive victory.

In the space of eight days earlier this month, Webber catapulted himself into the Formula One title reckoning with back-to-back triumphs in Spain and Monaco.

It means Webber goes into Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix in possession of the championship lead, albeit by virtue of his two wins to Red Bull Racing team-mate Sebastian Vettel's one as they are level on 78 points.

As the 33-year-old had to wait until his 130th race for his maiden F1 win last July in Germany, it would be easy to allow his recent glory to cloud his thinking and judgment.

But with age comes experience, and that is why Webber is staying cool, calm and collected ahead of this weekend's event at Istanbul Park where he could become the first Australian since former champion Alan Jones in 1979 to win three races in a row.

"It was a special few days, and the emotions from the Monaco race were incredible," said Webber, who threw himself in a swimming pool and Monte Carlo harbour in celebration of his triumph.

"It's nice to reflect on that for a short time, but then you have to get your head down and concentrate on keeping your form.

"It's important to stay focused and get back to business. It's easy to talk about what you're going to do - anyone can do that. The key is getting out there and doing it.

"I'm working hard with the team. There's a lot more to do, and we need to keep going.

"It's not so much about being selfish with time, but structured so that way you know what you have to do, when you have to do it and you stick to it."

Anyone who considered Webber to be nothing more than a number two to Vettel within the team is now surely revising their thinking.

Vettel had appeared to be the dominant figure, claiming pole in three of the first four races, and ironically winning the one in which he failed to start at the front of the grid.

But even the 22-year-old German will likely have been stunned by Webber's form of late, in particular his searing pace.

Current world champion Jenson Button, although deposed by Webber at the top of the drivers' standings after Monaco, was happy enough to see his friend take the chequered flag.

Button, though, feels Webber is greatly underestimated as he said: "It was good to see Mark win in Monaco.

"I was very happy for him because I know how it feels to win there. It is a very special feeling.

"He is obviously a very talented driver - as everyone is at the front - but maybe he doesn't get as much respect as he should.

"A guy that wins two races in a row is obviously doing a very good job.

"To win in Barcelona and Monaco, two very different types of track, you can't fault what he has done. He's done a great job."

McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton is far from surprised Webber has suddenly found a turn of speed and is leaving his rivals trailing in his wake.

"I said in Australia he's got a great opportunity to challenge for the wins this year, and I think he's doing all he can," said Hamilton.

"It's not easy when you are in a team and the guy next to you is all of a sudden beating you.

"I can't tell you exactly why Vettel is not as quick at the moment. I guess we'll see over the next few races how things turn out.

"But Mark is a great driver. He's clearly got his act together and head in gear. He's driving probably the best he's ever driven."

At least from Button's perspective Red Bull's focus is on both men, unlike for example Renault where Robert Kubica is head and shoulders above team-mate Vitaly Petrov.

"The good thing is he and Sebastian are both competitive. It's not like one person in the team is, and the other guy just follows," added Button.

"So they're taking points off each other, and that's what we need, we really do while they have such a competitive car."