» Jones backs Webber for the 2010 title

A host of drivers are being considered as candidates for the 2010 F1 title – mind you, the season still hasn’t started yet! – but 1980 Champion Alan Jones thinks his compatriot, Mark Webber, should not be discounted.

Prior to last season, of the 16 Australians to have made the top flight in motorsport, only Jones and Sir Jack Brabham had registered Grand Prix wins, let alone four championships between them.

At the German GP, Webber finally became the third Australian to break his duck and join Jones and Brabham as a race winner. He repeated the feat at the penultimate round in Brazil.

Jones believes that Webber has what it takes to go all the way.

"He’s already displayed that he’s got the speed, he’s got the stamina, he’s very fit and he’s very consistent,” the 63-year-old told Speedcafe. “They’re the things you need for a championship.

“Winning your first race is certainly a terrific morale-booster, and I believe that Mark drove with a lot more confidence after he won his first grand prix. He had a handle on what to do and, providing Red Bull give him a good car this year – which I think they will – he’s well set at having a crack at the championship.”