Mark Webber has rated his rivalry with young teammate Sebastian Vettel as the highlight of a season that has been as frustrating as it has been impressive for the Australian Formula One driver.

Vettel, 22, is regarded as one of the sport’s hottest properties and won last weekend’s race in Suzuka, Japan, while Webber, 11 years his senior, finished 17th after a crash in practice meant he started from the pit lane.

“Everyone was saying he was going to write off my career but that’s not been the case,” Webber told Britain’s Evening Standard.

“That is the biggest satisfaction of the season.”

German Vettel is within touching distance of the championship, 16 points behind leader Jenson Button and two adrift of second-placed Rubens Barrichello with two races to go.

Webber claimed the first victory of his career at the German Grand Prix in July and emerged as a possible championship challenger before fading away.

He remains fourth in the championship but, with a win worth ten points, is out of title calculations.

Webber refused to blame a serious accident late last year for impacting on his season, even though he still walks with a limp from a badly broken leg he suffered while riding in his own charity bicycle event in Tasmania last November.

Despite that incident and some recent frustrations, it has still been a breakout year for the Australian.

“I’m not going to blame that (injury) for me not winning the championship,” said Webber.

“It may have made a difference, it may not, but there’s no point going on about it.

“I’ve had some sensational moments and there have been times that have been really frustrating.

“But I would have taken my first grand prix and where I am in the championship at the start of the season.

“In fact, I would have bitten your bloody hand off for that.”

Having signed an extension to his contract with Red Bull, Webber will be on the grid for at least another season, when he will again target the championship.

“I haven’t got a crystal ball so I don’t know what’s in store,” he said.

“It could be even easier.”

© AAP 2012

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