Formula 1: Webber joins title race

Mark Webber believes he is now firmly in the hunt for the Formula One title after finally breaking his victory duck.

The 32-year-old screamed with joy, and perhaps relief, in taking the chequered flag at the Nurburgring after the German Grand Prix.

Not even a drive-through penalty for playing dodgems with Rubens Barrichello off the line denied Webber his long-overdue moment in the sun at the 130th attempt.

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It secured him a place in the sport's record books as no driver with a win to their name has taken so long to get a maiden triumph under their belts.

Leading home a third Red Bull one-two of the season, with Sebastian Vettel second on this occasion, the duo are 22.5 and 21 points respectively behind Jenson Button who could only finish fifth.

Red Bull also slashed Brawn GP's lead in the constructors' title race to 19.5, with the balance of power having shifted the way of the Milton Keynes-based team in the last two grands prix.

"They are both still up for grabs, there is no question about it," said Webber of the championship fight.

"The guys have produced a special car. Brawn are leading because they deserve to be, but we are not giving up.

"Sebastian and I are on top of our game and pushing as best we can to be as consistent as possible at all venues.

"We love fighting against teams like Ferrari and McLaren, and this is what Formula One is all about.

"For Red Bull to take the fight to these big guys is a real credit to us. They will be back for sure, but it is a special time for our team."

It was undoubtedly a special day for Webber as he became the first Australian to win a race since Alan Jones in Las Vegas in October 1981.

Webber is due to meet with close friend, Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting tonight, an occasion which could have been even more special if his team had taken a 1-0 lead over England in the Ashes yesterday.

Instead, they were denied, but there was still no doubting the pride felt by Webber with regard to his feat.

"It was very, very important for me because not many Australian drivers have reached Formula One, and there are even fewer who have been successful," remarked Webber.

"It's a real message to the Australian people. I've always tried to represent my country as best as I can.

"We're a very proud sporting nation which has done well on bikes in the past with Mick (Doohan) and Casey (Stoner).

"Now this is a great day for me and Australia."

As for Button, it was a day of frustration, one which has left him pining for the heat of Budapest in a fortnight when his car should be competitive.

"We have to put it (yesterday) behind us and look forward," said Button.

"I just can't wait to get to Hungary where we will have new parts and hopefully warmer weather to take the fight to the Red Bulls."

As for Barrichello, he launched an astonishing attack on his team, accusing them of costing him the race.

"It was a good show from the team on how to lose a race today," slammed the Brazilian.

"They made me lose the race. If it is really what's going on, we're going to end up losing both championships."

Ferrari's Felipe Massa finished on the podium for the first time this year, with Nico Rosberg fourth in his Williams.

Renault's Fernando Alonso and McLaren's Heikki Kovalainen completed the top eight, but a first-corner puncture after being tapped by Webber resulted in Lewis Hamilton finishing 18th and last.