Webber not under pressure

New Minardi signing Mark Webber believes he is not under any particular pressure to perform this season, despite boss Paul Stoddart recently claiming he could be a future champion. Stoddart compared the Australian to last season Minardi driver Fernando Alonso, who is tipped by many to go to the top. Webber says that his boss' praise and the fact that he will be making his F1 debut in front of a home crowd in Melbourne's Albert Park have not put any extra expectation on him.

"In terms of pressure there can't be many sports that are up there with Formula One," he said. "but I'm under no more pressure than any other driver. It doesn't matter if you are David Coulthard or Rubens Barrichello, each year is a new year and each race a new race; you just have to perform."

Webber's rise to F1 has been met with great approval from his homeland and he has been inundated with messages of support from fans, but he says the Minardi team are the ones he most wants to do well for.

"There's no question that there is going to be a lot of adrenaline pumping in Melbourne." Webber confessed. "Every time I leave the pit lane over the three days will be very special and I can't wait for that. Any driver's dream must be to compete in front of their home crowd and it being my first grand prix too is just a special twist I suppose. I just want to try and get to the flag though and not six laps behind because that wouldn't please anyone. The Minardi team are emotional guys, they work very hard, and it would be nice if we could progress during the season. I'm up for it!"