Webber pushing hard for second

Mark Webber is just five points behind Fernando Alonso and level with Jenson Button © Sutton Images

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Mark Webber says that he expects a tough battle with Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton for second place in the drivers' championship.

After Sebastian Vettel's victory in the Italian Grand Prix, the reigning world champion can secure back-to-back titles in Singapore. Webber, however, points to the small points difference between the chasing four drivers as motivation for the rest of the season, and says he doesn't expect anyone to "give an inch" in the Singapore Grand Prix.

"I finished third at the Marina Bay circuit last year, but the track hasn't been that kind to me in the past," Webber said. "I enjoy driving there, so I hope to nail it this year in much the same way that I nailed Valencia earlier this season. In the Championship, four of us - me, Fernando, Jenson and Lewis - are separated by just 14 points and none of us is going to give an inch."

Webber also said that preparation was important in Singapore, as the length of the race coupled with the heat makes it a difficult grand prix for the drivers.

"The Singapore night race is a challenging one. The track's bumpy and although the 1500-odd lights do a good job at illuminating the circuit, it's not like racing in daylight and that makes it tiring. It's also the longest race of the year, running close to the two-hour time-limit set by the FIA, and the intense heat and humidity makes it pretty warm in the cockpit. You have to watch your hydration during the build-up to the race."

ESPNF1