» Webber to miss Japanese GP Qualifying

Webber will not take part part in qualifying today for the Japanese Grand Prix after crashing in the final practice session and wrecking his Red Bull Renault chassis.

Webber, now out of championship contention, went off at the Degner Curve and stuffed his RB5 into the tyre wall. What appeared to be a minor shunt has damaged the monocoque, however, and the team will now begin building up the spare chassis for the Australian to race on Sunday. He will start the 53-lap race from the pitlane.

The team has a huge mountain to climb if they are to challenge and beat Brawn Mercedes to the constructors’ championship.

Sebastian Vettel, who finished fourth-quickest in the morning practice session, remains a championship contender but will need a strong race and problems for both Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello to take the battle on to Interlagos.