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Title race could get nasty, says Webber
THE fight for this year's Formula One world title could be even nastier than it was last season, according to Red Bull's Mark Webber.
The campaign gets under way in Webber's native Australia on Sunday and the 31-year-old has predicted even greater tension between Lewis Hamilton and former McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso.
Alonso quit McLaren in the close-season to rejoin Renault amid rumours he had fallen out with Hamilton after the Briton staged a surprise title bid in his rookie season.
Webber said in his BBC online column: "There was plenty of spice last year, a bit of a lovers' tiff between Lewis and Fernando Alonso within the same team.
"I think the championship could be more fiery this year. It could actually get nastier in terms of the battle on the track because the gloves are off as two of those players are in different teams."
Although Webber believes Spaniard Alonso will have a say in the destination of this season's drivers title, he sees the crown going to Hamilton or defending champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Webber said: "Fernando can take the fight to Lewis - as there is a bit of friction there, whereas Kimi is the sort of guy who just gets on with it; it could be fascinating."
He added: "Most drivers are incredibly even but just like any sport, it is about consistency, the guys who can do it week in, week out.
"That being the case, it looks like the championship this year is going to be a fight between Kimi and Lewis Hamilton.
"At the moment, Ferrari seem to have McLaren covered for pace, although McLaren look pretty quick in qualifying trim.
N"evertheless, Ferrari are definitely favourites for this weekend - they always seem to have an advantage in Melbourne, so I think they'll start the season pretty strongly."
Webber is determined to outscore Red Bull team-mate David Coulthard this season after finishing four points behind the Scot last year.
The Australian believes he has shown he has the measure of Coulthard after scoring the teams only podium of 2007.
"I have beaten David fair and square, and he has won Grands Prix, so that is satisfying for me," he said.
"Of course, my aim ultimately is to win races in Formula One."
11:57am Wednesday 12th March 2008
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