Webber says 2008 season boring

Mark Webber has admitted some races this year were so boring even the most ardent fan would have nodded off.

And the Australian is not convinced that rule changes for 2009 aimed at making the sport more competitive will have the desired effect.

"There are many changes next year – slick tires on the cars and the aerodynamic regulations are very aggressive – and we haven't seen changes like them for many years," Webber told the BBC.

"The main thought behind them is to make overtaking easier.

"A few races this season could have put even the most hard-core fan to sleep, such was the lack of overtaking, so changes were necessary.

"It's hard to predict exactly what effect they will have but will it make it a more competitive title race? I don't think so.

"The difference between the best and worst teams might get even bigger in terms of overall timings so I don't think it will close that gap.

"Hopefully we'll have better overtaking but are the cars going to be closer together on the grid in terms of time?"

Webber also said the rapid rise of Hamilton to F1's youngest world champion had been the cause of envy among many drivers.

He acknowledged Hamilton's ability but said he had been fortunate to always drive for the leading teams in his career.

"I think it's normal that when someone comes in and is successful pretty quickly in any sport there can be a bit of jealousy," he said.

"For me, the way Lewis came through the ranks so quickly, he had a pretty smooth run.

"He came through the junior ranks quickly but in the best equipment – not many drivers have that option.

"However, his acid test came when he was appointed driver of the McLaren team and he delivered."