Tranfer Deadline Day : I cannot wait!

 

Transfer deadline day, the twists, the turns, the drama.

Whether it be Harry Redknapp leaning out of his car window, Arsene Wenger reassuring the fans that Arsenal have a strong enough squad, or Joe Kinnear spotted mingling with Paris Hilton in a French holiday resort, the final day of the transfer window almost always lives up to its billing.

This year more than ever the excitement is palpable. At the time of writing this the transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid has finally been confirmed, FINALLY. But this move could prove the catalyst that makes 2nd September 2013 the most dramatic deadline day yet.

Bale's arrival in the Spanish capital frees up some big players who have long been admired by clubs in the Premier League. Even clubs the size of Real Madrid need some form of income, and it looks increasingly likely that Kaka, Di Maria, and Ozil are their means of adding some cash to the coffers at the Bernabeu.


Reports tonight claim Ozil is about the sign for Arsenal, if true this would be a huge signal of intent from the Gunners and end a summer of complains from the Emirates faithful. Ozil would be a tremendous addition to England's top division as one of the most exciting players to watch in world football.  Twitter also claims Di Maria and Benzema might be on their way to North London, has Wenger suddenly found the cheque book?!

Away from Arsenal the Champions look likely to do business tomorrow too. Manchester United have been clear in the attempts to sign a creative midfield player, something which I imagine will become an even greater priority following their toothless display at Anfield earlier today. Baines and Fellani too have been the subject of bid from their former boss with the Belgian looking most likely to swap Merseyside for Manchester.

Chelsea and Manchester City would appear to have their business done and dusted, although I wouldn't bet against either of these two splashing the cash again before the window shuts. Liverpool meanwhile seem guaranteed to add Sakho, Ilori and Moses to their ranks while Tom Ince could yet be a further addition at White Hart Lane.

Up and down the division teams will be looking to strengthen while some will be desperate to offload those providing unnecessary drains on their wage budget. Peter Odemwinge should finally leave West Brom tomorrow after over six months of trying to push through a move away. I'm surprised nobody managed to spot him in a petrol station earlier today as he fills up in the expectation of one of his traditional last day road trips.

Yohan Cabaye also likely to depart his current club before 11pm tomorrow evening. While Arsenal now seems an unlikely destination for the Frenchman, don't rule out a bid from big spending PSG. Should he move Alan Pardew has targeted Wigan's James McCarthy as the man to bring in, with Everton also keen on the Republic of Ireland playmaker.

 

I really am like a kid at Christmas with tomorrow shaping up to be one of the iconic days in this year's sporting calendar. Indeed the moves made on deadline day can often make or break a season, with many clubs looking to sign their own Christophe Dugarry.

Football fans of the English divisions, sit back, relax, and enjoy deadline day.

 

ROB AND STEVE'S SUPER MASSIVE SEASON PREVIEW PART II

Welcome! So with the excitement building and  intrigue increasing it'd be rude to force you to wait any longer. Enjoy as our 'Super Massive Season Preview continues... - Rob

Manchester United 

Key Signing: David Moyes is yet to make waves in the market, with several targets not arriving. Expect United to be busy in August however, as they have money to spend.
MVP: Oh, Robin van Persie. The former Arsenal striker carried United on his back for half a season, and his league-leading goalscoring prowess will be needed even more this season, with a conspicuous absence in the dugout.
Manager: David Moyes. The size of the shoes Moyes has to fill are somewhat gigantic. He has potential long term, but in the meantime the new gaffer will be in charge of a transition period.
Prediction: The Ferguson effect cannot be underestimated. I feel we now have to judge United purely on the ability of its squad, as their extra 10% has departed. Examine the title contenders’ squads then, and United are weaker than City and Chelsea, and for me, on a par with Spurs.  Moyes has work to do. 4th. Rob's Prediction: 3rd.

The influence of perhaps the world's greatest manager is no more

Newcastle United

Key Signing: Loic Remy. The clinical Frenchman adds flair to Newcastle's attack and the prospect of a front three of Remy, Cisse and HBA suddenly has this Newcastle fan counting down the days until the start of the Premier League season.
MVP: Fabricio Coloccini. A natural born leader. While much has been made of the club's search for a striker the Argentinean general will ensure his troops stay organised at the back. His worth was shown when missed towards the end of the 2012/13 season.
Manager: Alan Pardew. Much will be expected of Pardew this season following a poor 2012/13 campaign. Blaming his side's form on injuries Newcastle fans will expect the team to begin this season strongly with a fully fit squad. Time will tell if the pressure of Joe Kinnear's appointment will see this silver fox buckle.
Prediction: While strong going forward Newcastle have failed to strengthen what was the second poorest defence in the division last season. The forthcoming season will be an improvement on the last but a mid-table finish is the best that can be expected for the Toon Army. 12th. Steve's Prediction: 15th.

It wouldn't be Newcastle United without off-field aggro now would it? Popularly known as Joke-Innear

Norwich City

Key Signing: Gary Hooper has consistently scored goals for the past few seasons, in Scotland and in the Champions League. Prolific North of the border, the Canaries will be confident that Hooper earns his stripes in England.
MVP: John Ruddy. The goalkeeper was sorely missed after his thigh injury picked up midway through, and the big man should make a big difference.
Manager: A primarily defensive coach, Hughton has gambled this season, and he has pooled all his chips on the duo of Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel. It represents a bit of a change of impetus, and might see the Canaries fly up the league table. (sorry)
Prediction: If Norwich can improve a woeful away record and start beating the teams around them (A lot of points last season were earned against better placed opposition), there's no reason why they can't challenge for Europe. The problem was goals, and the problem, may have gone. 8th. Rob's Prediction: 11th.

Chris Hughton has raised expectations at Carrow Road

Southampton

Key Signing: Victor Wanyama was a beast in the Celtic midfield for numerous seasons, and the Kenyan will bring protection to the Saints back four, allowing creative forces such as Gaston Ramirez and Adam Lallana to do what they do best.
MVP: Rickie Lambert. The man is a proven goal scorer who can single-handedly create something from nothing. Scoring fifteen league goals in his first ever Premier League season shows just what a talent the 31 year old is.
Manager: Mouricio Pochettino
The verdict is still out on the former Espanyol boss for me. While the Argentinian did well to stabilise the Saints when taking over mid-season I still believe they would have stayed up regardless. I await his first full season with interest.
Prediction: As one of the most attractive sides to watch in the division I really hope Southampton can perform well this season. Wanyama is a fantastic signing and will only improve an already solid squad. 9th. Steve's Prediction: 10th.

Victor Wanyama adds strength to a previously lightweight midfield

Stoke City

Key Signing: Erik Pieters. The Dutch left –back has been courted by many a Premier League team, and is an astute signing. Good on the ball and is a fine crosser. The concern would be that Stoke have signed no attackers – they lacked for goals last season.
MVP: Robert Huth was made for Stoke City. Tough, uncompromising and strong, the German has been the lynchpin of one of the league's meanest defences.
Manager: Mark Hughes. Sparky returns to the Premier League, but he could scarcely wish for more of a challenge. The team is on the decline and perhaps even set in their ways stylistically. The fans are some of the most boisterous around too. Their patience could wear thin. An uphill task, then.
Prediction: This could be the season where Stoke's firm grip on the Premier League is finally loosened. A poor squad, a manager with it all to do and a crowd who's patience is not one to be tested - it's not looking good for the Potters. Expect Hughes to fall first, and Stoke City to follow. 18th. Rob’s Prediction: 17th.

Robert Huth is Stoke's man mountain

Sunderland

Key Signing: Emanuele Giaccherini. As a member of both the Juventus and the Italian squad the left-sided player is a real coup for Di Canio. Having proven his talent on the international stage I have no doubt he can make a huge difference for Sunderland.
MVP: Steven Fletcher. Sunderland's season potentially rests on the fitness of Steven Fletcher, that's how key I believe he is to the set up at the Stadium of Light. With an eye for goal he will thrive on the creativity of Giaccherini et al.
Manager: Paulo Di Canio. As one of the most unpredictable bosses in the division I'm sure Sunderland fans can expect a roller coaster ride under the Italian fire cracker this season. He could be gone by Christmas or he could win them a trophy in his first full season.
Prediction: What fate awaits Sunderland this season is anyone's guess. It's the top ten or bust in my view for the Black Cats this campaign. 8th. Steve's Prediction: 13th.

Whatever happens, expect fireworks from this man

Swansea City

Key Signing: Wilfried Bony. The Ivorian scored goals for fun in the Eredivisie, and whilst we know that's not necessarily the mark of a world-beater (Step forward Afonso Alves) its not a bad start.
MVP: Michu was utterly magnificent for the Swans last season, but will be wary of contracting the infamous Second Season Syndrome. The signing of Bony should help spread the load.
Manager: Michael Laudrup could not have wished for a better debut season. A trophy won, league stability earned and a star striker unearthed - can he do the same this time around?
Prediction: It'll be as you were for Laudrup's men this season: great to watch, capable of the odd scalp and also the odd wobble, you can expect the Swans to be sitting especially pretty in mid-table. 12th. Rob’s Prediction: 10th.

The Swans would do well to repeat last season's success

Tottenham Hotspur

Key Signing : Roberto Soldado. The Spaniard arrives in England off the back of scoring 30 goals in all competitions last season and if Soldado can hit the ground running then he could prove the crucial difference in firing Spurs into the title hunt.
MVP: Gareth Bale. It goes without saying really; the man was born with an incredible talent for football. Lose him (which is looking increasingly likely) and the club will have to spend wisely to be anywhere near replacing him.
Manager: Andre Vilas Boas. Following a good first season at White Hart Lane this campaign will prove a true test of AVB and show whether he has a chance to develop a dynasty at the club. Fail to challenge the top four and he'll be considered a failure.
Prediction: Tottenham's whole season depends on the Gareth Bale saga and how the club react to his potential departure. Signing a replacement is a must and will be a huge test of Vilas Boas' player judgement. Spurs fans will expect progress and I expect Spurs to be #1 in North London by the end of the campaign. 4th. Steve's Prediction: 3rd.

This man is the key to Tottenham's title tilt

West Bromwich Albion

Key Signing: Nicolas Anelka. The experienced Frenchman will bring goals to complement the Baggies' excellent midfield workers.
MVP: Yousouff Mulumbu. Strong, powerful and a diligent and intelligent defensive midfielder, his partnership in the midfield anchor position with Claudio Yacob was brilliant.
Manager: Steve Clarke has always been an excellent coach, and now he's one of the brightest young managers around. He can really achieve big things at West Brom.
Prediction: I was one of the seemingly very few who predicted a top half finish last season for the Baggies, and I felt very smug about their performances last season. A very efficient unit, and a threat for the European spots. 10th. Rob’s Prediction: 13th.

Steve Clarke has turned the Boing Boing Baggies into European dreamers

West Ham United

Key Signing: Andy Carroll. The big man will need to perform from the very start of the season if he is to begin to show he is worth the £15 million West Ham paid to bring him to Upton Park. On his day Carroll can be a nightmare for even the world's best, while on his bad days he can be totally anonymous.
MVP: Kevin Nolan. A natural leader, Nolan can inspire any team. Very few players in the entire division possess his work rate and his contribution often proves invaluable, whether it be making goal line clearances or firing home from the edge of the 6 yard box.
Manager: While personally not a fan of big Sam, it's impossible to disagree with the fact that he performs well when at one of the divisions 'smaller clubs.' West Ham will always be safe while he remains boss, but will equally remain unspectacular.
Prediction: A decidedly average season awaits for the Hammers. While Andy Carroll will provide a handful of goals and assists the East Londoners lack the out and out goal scorer which could have seen them progress. 16th. Steve's Prediction: 14th.

Carroll's loan was a success - albeit injury blighted - can the big man hit top form?

So that's it! Our team-by-team guide to how the Premier League will shape up in season 2013/2014. But how will the teams end up? Here are our final tables:

So there you have it. This, right there, is how the Premier League will finish. Kind of. Well, we know it won't. There'll be so many twists and turns, goals, gaffes and memorable moments. And we cannot bloomin' wait. 

We hope you enjoyed this preview, and if you did, please feel free to share on Facebook or Twitter, and give us a comment below, or indeed a tweet. We are @StevenJamieson_ and @roblilley1

Thanks, and enjoy the season.

Does the return of the Austrian Grand Prix mark the beginning of the end for the Bernie Ecclestone World Tour?

It's safe to say the news of the Austrian Grand Prix is to return to the Formula One calendar in time for the 2014 season has taken may fans of the sport by surprise.

Due to take place on 6th July 2014 at the newly refurbished 'Red Bull Ring', a circuit which last hosted F1 action back in 2003, the race is to be entirely bankrolled by Red Bull's multi billionaire owner Dietrich Mateschitz .

Considering the circuit was virtually demolished back in 2005, this is some achievement for the 4.6 kilometre racetrack located just outside the quaint city of Spielberg located high in the Austrian mountains.

While the rise fall and rise again of the Austrian Grand Prix makes a lovely copy story for any self respecting journalist, a member of the occupation worth their salt must surely question the decision making process when it comes to the Red Bull Ring's reinstatement onto the F1 calendar.

 

It is no surprise that Red Bull Owner and former Spielberg resident Mateschitz wants to bring F1 back to his home region, yet the real shock is that the sports main supremo Bernie Ecclestone agreed to the move.

Since the 2004, the year the Austrian Grand Prix began its F1 hiatus, the sport has seen nine circuits make their debuts as a race venue with only two of these residing in Europe. Indeed Austria itself was removed from the calendar to provide a slot for the much anticipated Bahrain Grand Prix, F1's first foray into the Middle Eastern market.

For years Bernie Ecclestone has spoken of his plans to expand the F1 brand, taking the sport to every corner of the globe in his search for increased revenue and sponsorship deals. But this has come at a price with F1 neglecting its core fan base.

While initially the new grand prixs were welcomed by residents of the host country, attendances in these nations soon began to fall. Take China as an example, 260,000 fans attended the inaugural event back in 2004 with this figure dropping to just 155,000 six years later.

Poor attendances meant the Turkish race was removed from the calendar just six years after its debut and rumours suggest the same fate awaits the Korean Grand Prix. If true the multimillion dollar facility will have hosted just four Grand Prix events and Ecclestone will have dropped Korea quicker than a Sebastian Vettel pole lap.

It seems that Ecclestone himself is ready to call time on his Asian F1 experiment with Austria's return the first sign of this.

 It is perhaps no coincidence that Bernie is turning his attention to finding a new home for the French Grand Prix while showing a distinct disinterest towards the proposed race in New Jersey, something which he had previously fought hard for.

In a world of constant change it appears F1 is ready to return to its past with Austria perhaps the first of many former circuits to return to the calendar.

F1 needs it's classic venues to keep the heart of the sport beating, and I for one, hope that heartbeat continues for many years to come.

SATELLITE BROADCASTING : THE YING YANG OF SPORT

 

£6 million per game - that's the price broadcasters now have to pay in the United Kingdom if they want to show a single football match. Simply, that's over £66,000 a minute.

In a world where these astronomical fees exist, it is an unfortunate fact that the majority of sport is no longer available free-to-air.

Just a few years ago, the situation was entirely different. When England won the Ashes back in 2005, over eight million people watched the drama unfold live on Channel Four. However, with England cricket matches now screened exclusively on Sky Sports, viewing figures for the 2013 series are likely to be just over 20 per cent of this.

With the exposure for the sport now considerably less, many argue cricket's ability to inspire a future generation to take up the game will be significantly hampered.

But with Sky willing to pay £300 million to screen England test matches, you'd have to be an idiot to not see that this will benefit the game in the long run.

A fifth of this figure is currently set aside for the development of the game at a grass roots level. An amount which would have been unimaginable when Michael Vaughan held the Ashes earn aloft eight years ago.

The success the England team have achieved in this time is no coincidence. Since the 5-0 drubbing suffered in Australia in 2006/07 the England team have risen to spend time as the number one test nation in the world, and were crowned Twenty20 World Champions back in 2010.

The point, therefore, is that without the level of investment Sky have pledged to the sport, would the ECB have been able to maintain this constant level of high performance? Almost certainly not. Look at the performance of the national team in the year's before the TV deal, a side who were statistically the worst test nation in the world at the turn of the century.

Yet while Cricket continues to thrive with the injection of satellite broadcasters' cash, the same cannot be said for our country's other national game, football.

The Premier League's aforementioned new television deal is worth an astounding £3 billion, with a prize of £100 million for the division's eventual winner.

However, while the structure of football in England remains the same, this money will struggle to benefit our national side and could in fact prove to hinder rather than help their progress.

Yes St George's Park has finally been built to provide all age groups of the England team with a state-of-the-art training facility, but what's the point if the players using it aren't playing regular Premier League football?

The injection of cash into the Premier League has seen an inflation in the transfer funds and wages of English players, take the ridiculous fees spend on Carroll and Downing by Liverpool as an example. 

With English players now so costly to clubs it is no surprise that clubs in the division are now looking abroad to improve their squads. As things stand (15th July 2013), 85 per cent of new signings made by Premier League teams have come from abroad.

While the argument is often made that young English talents will benefit from training with the world' best players, surely this is worth nothing if they are denied first-team exposure?

Take Scott Sinclair for example. A promising talent at Chelsea, he made just five appearances for the Blues in a four-year spell. It wasn't until a move to Swansea City that he was finally able to show his ability, but following a big money move to Manchester City his talent has again been stifled. Sinclair made just three starts last term.

The story of Scott Sinclair is one which will be continually replicated by young English players while the financial situation in the Premier League remains the same.

Clubs will always look for players that offer the best value for money, English players do not offer them that.

While satellite television remains king in football broadcasting, clubs will continue to sign big names from abroad, with their increased budgets allowing them to spend vast amounts on sending scouts around the world to find the next wonder kid of the sport.

Satellite broadcasters' involvement in sport will always divide opinion.

For cricket, the story has certainly been a positive one. With the money provided by Sky Sports, the sport has been given the secure financial footing it so long craved for. The ECB now able to provide funding at a grass roots level, cancelling out the reduced exposure of exclusivity on Sky.

The opposite is true for football. With the FA receiving little benefit from any TV deal, clubs are free to spend the money as they see fit. English talent will continue to be squeezed out of the sport as foreign exports provide a far more viable option. The prospect of success for our national team seems further away than ever.

Our Golden Decade

The stereotypical British sports fan; loud, miserable and often thoroughly disappointed with the scenes that they've witnessed take place in front of them. But recently, the stereotype has been forced to change.

The events of the last decade have made it difficult for even the harshest of critics, with many of them even being forced to acknowledge the performances of those representing our nation. Where so often football, our countries national sport, fails to deliver our expectations, the blow is perhaps softened by success elsewhere in the sporting stratosphere.

For me it all began, the 'golden decade if you will,' on 22nd November 2003. At first glance the date seems unambiguous, but it would take only a single kick to change all that. An action which took approximately four seconds to complete, would change the direction of British sport forever. As the ball left Jonny Wilkinson's left boot and slotted through the posts at the Telstra Stadium in Sydney, the dynamics of British sport would change. Suddenly a new found confidence began to engulf the nation's sporting competitors.

It was integral this initial triumph was reinforced with continued success, something the English Cricket team of the 2005 Ashes series ensured. In one of the most dramatic cricket series the sport has ever seen England again come out on top, once again at the cost of the Australians.

I'm of the opinion that had these victories come against a different nation, the impact would in no way have been as powerful. So often seen as the weedy commonwealth cousins to our Australian counterparts, England, and soon the rest of the British Isles, were standing up and showing fight.

2005 would prove a year to be remembered, that same year Liverpool pulled off what many have called 'the comeback of all comebacks' against AC Milan in Istanbul, coming from three goals down to clinch victory on penalties. It was also the year London won the right to host the 2012 Olympic Games, the pinnacle of sporting competition.

In the years that followed our small island continued to thrive in the sporting world. Englishman Lewis Hamilton's last gasp Championship success meant our nation had a Formula One World Champion for the first time since 1996, while Jenson Button followed up with his own Championship success a year later.

Golfer Darren Clarke brought home the Open Championship in 2011, Rory McIlroy doing the same with both the US Open and then the PGA Championship a year later. On top of this Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and McIlroy all spent time as World #1.

Onto London 2012 and many were still sceptical as to our countries ability to host the greatest show on earth. Under the motto of "inspire a generation" the aim of the organising committee was clear. Yet it was not the games itself that would provide the inspiration, it would always be the performance of Great Britain's athletes that would decide whether the games would kick start sporting participation in this country.

Fourth in the medals table in Beijing four years previously, it was implausible to think that level of success could be replicated. Yet when the flames were extinguished on August 12th GB sat 3rd in the medals table, ahead of the power houses of Russia, Germany and again Australia. In ten years Great Britain has risen to take its place among the great nations of sport.

This weekend saw not only the British and Irish Lions winning a test series for the first time since 1997, but Andy Murray's Wimbledon success showed just how far we as a nation have come.

Although only an individual, he encapsulated everything good about British sport. A dogged determination that in the past had been lacking, an eye for the kill and a desire to crush his opponent. Seventy seven year's we've waited for a man to triumph and Wimbledon, and finally, the wait is no more.

British sport is changing, disappointment no longer an option. Unless you're a footballer of course.

Is F1 in crisis following the British Grand Prix?

Lewis Hamilton was the first to suffer a tyre failure

Following this afternoon's chaotic British Grand Prix fans, team bosses and drivers alike have been united in their views that Formula One is in crisis. Turns out in their minds a sport can go from a healthy state to almost breaking point over the course of just an hour and a half. Sure...

The tyre issues faced today were 1) dangerous and 2) preventable. I have no idea what must have been going through the driver's heads as they travelled headlong down the Hanger Straight at nearly 200mph praying their tyres stayed intact. It cant have been easy. But for Pirelli to be made the bad guys in this whole situation is entirely wrong.

Much has been made of the tyres this season, with the initial issues surrounding the amount of degradation over the course of the race. But while it can be said that at some events the degradation was extreme, it must be remembered that these are the types of tyres Pirelli were contracted to manufacture by the FIA.

For years Bridgestone had constructed a tyres that could last a whole race distance and probably more. But there was one issue. It was boring. Just a season ago Pirelli were being praised for bringing new life to the sport, this cant be forgotten.

Mercedes controversial tyre test aside, Pirelli have acted admirably in the face of the criticism which has come their way this season. Take Pirelli Motorsport boss Paul Hembery for example, a man who never hides away from the press, always making himself available whatever questions he may be asked.

While it is easy to get caught up in the drama of the 2013 British Grand Prix, the facts cant be ignored. While the construction of the tyres could have been stronger, today's problems were caused by a kerb. It's a fact that after the race the kerbing on the exit of Turn 4 was found to be unusually sharp with BBC technical expert Gary Anderson saying he was almost certain this was where the blame lay.

Surely then blame should lay at the feet of Silverstone itself? But I'm sure there's no way the British press will dare criticise one of the jewels in our sporting summer.

The hysteria surrounding Pirelli is likely to continue for weeks to come, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were to announce their withdrawal from the sport. In my opinion they've been treated terribly by the teams, the Press and the FIA.

I'll be the first to hold my hands up if I'm wrong and these problems resurface at the Nurburgring in just seven days time.

All this overshadows the fact today's events have thrown the World Championship wide open. This F1 season could be one of the most exciting yet, but only if the focus remains on the action.

Mark Webber : Nice Guys Never Win

With the news of his retirement the world of Formula One says goodbye to one of the great drivers in the recent history of the sport. Great, but not the greatest.

With nine wins included in thirty six podiums, the likeable Australian has amassed more points that the majority of drivers can ever hope for when starting their career.  But this isn't the whole picture. While quick, the Australian lacks one key ingredient. Mental strength.

When he burst onto the scene at the 2002 season the man from New South Wales offered something different from those who had come before him. He was relaxed, his bluntness refreshing. A fifth place finish in the chaos that was the opening round of the season meant Webber remained the media darling throughout his debut season.


Webber racing for Minardi in 2002

A much deserved move to Jaguar followed, with the Australian gaining a reputation as the King of Qualifying. In hindsight the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix summed up Webber's career.

The Interlagos circuit is one engulfed in history. So often home of the Championship decider, it's early season slot did little to dampen it's magic. With rain falling just minutes before lights out, Webber found himself watching the impending drama from third on the grid. By outperforming his car the Australian had once again shown his undoubted talent, but it was the events that followed which would cast a glimpse into the then twenty five year olds future.

As the race passed two thirds distance Webber found himself in a comfortable 7th place. His first points of the season were just a few laps away when his struck the wall coming out of the final corner. 

What had caused the Australian to travel headlong into the concrete barrier at over 150mph? Mental weakness.

Much can be gained by examining the drivers who succeed in the wet. Senna, Schumacher, Hamilton Button and Vettel all thrive in these conditions, and all are World Champions. It's no coincidence.

Another few seasons in the midfield followed before Webber's much heralded move to Red Bull in 2007. Partnering the experienced David Coulthard the team were able to build a solid base of expertise on which they would eventually reap the rewards.  As the team's performance began to improve whispers began circulating about Webber Championship credentials. These were short lived.

Soon it was Webber's young German team mate who was the centre of attention. Following his arrival in 2009 Vettel immediately outperformed his experienced Australian counterpart. Indeed it was he who brought the team their first victory in the wet of Shanghai.

Note the weather conditions.

While Webber bounced back, taking the first of his nine grand prix victories at the Nurburgring that same season, the theme for future failure had been set. Finishing 14.5 points behind Vettel when the Championship came to a close, Webber had been beaten by his team mate for the first time in his career. He would never be the same.

His Red Bull was now a car capable of consistently challenging for the top step of the podium. So long known for outperforming his car, Webber now struggled to even match it.

In the three seasons that followed Vettel won three straight championships with the Australian finishing 3rd, 3rd and 6th. Good, but not good enough. The truth is the when put under pressure, Webber falters. Whether it be at the start of a Grand Prix or in the final seconds of Qualifying, his head isn't there.

Despite what has been said in the Press, the truth, and everyone knows it, is that Mark Webber's future was decided on 24th March 2013. The Malaysian Grand Prix.

Leading at half distance Webber looked a certainty to take the win, his team had told he and Vettel the race for the lead was over, and that the Australian should not be challenged. His triple World Champion team mate had other ideas.

Taking it on himself to battle with, and then pass Webber, Vettel had shown in just a few laps the difference between him and his team mate. Even after dropping to second Webber chose not to fight back, instead choosing to sulk and settle for second.
Would Vettel have done the same had the situation been reversed? No. The German's fight evident from the moment he and Webber clashed in Istanbul back in 2010.

Webber and Vettel's relationship was often in the public eye

Malaysia was the final straw for Webber. Feeling betrayed by both his team mate and his team he sought a way out of F1, finding it at Porsche, and a place in the World Endurance Championship.

This is the easy way out. The difficult option would have been to stay and battle with Vettel, to do all in his power to finally beat the German. For me it is a shame we are being robbed of this.

The decision by Webber has led me to reach the conclusion that Webber himself never believed he could beat Sebastian. Had he believed, he would leave the sport a World Champion.

Instead we say goodbye to one of the nice guys in F1, one of the finest racers ever to grace the sport. But in years to come his name will be lost in the abyss of the unsuccessful.

Sure we'll miss him, but he too has missed his place in history.