Webber has crossed key hurdle, says Red Bull boss

By Alan Baldwin

LONDON (Reuters) - Mark Webber will only get better now that he has made the big breakthrough with his first grand prix triumph, according to his Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

The 32-year-old Australian took his first victory in Germany on Sunday, winning from pole position despite an early drive-through penalty.

"There is a big difference between thinking you can win and knowing you can win," Horner told reporters at the Nuerburgring.

"Mark has crossed that hurdle...I remember Nigel Mansell taking a while to get going but once he got going he was pretty phenomenal and I think that Mark is a great competitor," he added.

Mansell, who went on to become world champion in 1992, was also 32 years old when he claimed his first win at Brands Hatch in 1985 in his 72nd start. Webber's win came after his 130th start.

Webber's success, Red Bull's third win in nine races, was all the more satisfying because of the difficulties he has encountered along the way.

The Australian smashed his right leg in a potentially career-ending cycling accident in November. Although he returned limping in February to test, he still has a metal pin in his limb and cannot run properly.

"His recovery has been fantastic and he's been totally dedicated, totally committed," said Horner.