Horner dismisses Webber talk

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner can see no reason why Mark Webber would want to leave - even if Ferrari came calling.

Webber thrust himself firmly into contention for this season's Formula One world title with the eighth victory of his career on Sunday, his second in Monaco.

The Australian has now hauled himself level on points alongside team-mate Sebastian Vettel, with the duo three adrift of Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari.

The suggestion has long been this would be Webber's final season with Red Bull, although given he has been linked with Ferrari as replacement for Felipe Massa, he could be lured to Maranello for a swansong end to his days in Formula One.

But after providing Webber with a winning car again, Horner said: "It was a fantastic performance and a great drive from Mark.

"He showed a lot of skill and maturity, and he drove brilliantly to close out the win. He never put a wheel wrong all afternoon.

"It has allowed him to become a double winner around Monaco and he joins an elite group.

"You can see he is driving really well, is in great shape, and on a day like yesterday is at the top of his game."

When asked about the prospect of Webber joining Ferrari, Horner added: "Why would he want to leave?

"He is comfortable in the team. The team know Mark very well and he knows the team very well.

"We are only at race six and a lot depends on his motivation and desire going forward, which at the moment looks very clear."

Webber is currently on a rolling contract, although over the past two years has signed at different stages.

Two years ago he put pen to paper on a deal for 2011 during the course of the Monaco Grand Prix, but last year did not sign up for this season until very late in the day.

It is clear no talks have yet taken place with regard to the prospect of staying on for next year as Horner said: "We're only in May this year.

"Mark is doing a good job, so let's focus on his latest Monaco win and his future will take care of itself.

"We have a very open and straightforward relationship with Mark and this does not change that situation."

Like many others around him, Horner is at a loss to know what to make of this season, with F1 history made in Monaco as there has now been six different winners of the first six races.

"It is immensely tight and so open at the moment, you've probably six or seven drivers in serious contention," said Horner, whose team at least became the first this year to win two races.

"It is a tough year because of the regulation changes and tyre complexities, but as a team we are working in a great manner.

"It is all about team work, but there is still a long way to go in this championship and the points can disappear as quickly as they came.

"The weekend was not a great one for McLaren, but then let's not forget Pastor Maldonado lapped us two weeks ago (en route to his win in Spain).

"So it would be foolish for us to ignore strong teams like McLaren or Ferrari."