Talking to reporters in Shanghai, WilliamsF1 driver has admitted that he feels his stock has gone down, following a difficult first season with WilliamsF1.

It was early 2004 when the deal taking Webber to WilliamsF1 in 2005 was done, eventually partnering the Australian with another driver who had yet to show his full potential as a result of the uncompetitive equipment at his disposal, Nick Heidfeld. However, the relationship between WilliamsF1 and partner BMW was in decline, and the poor form that dogged the team in 2004 continued into the new season. There were a few highlights, including fourth at Suzuka a week ago, but for the most part the Grove outfit was reduced to battling it out in the mid-field.

"It's probably suffered, for sure," said Webber in Shanghai, according to Reuters. "It's not as good as it was when I left Jaguar. But that's what the game is. Massa's stock wasn't good when he left Sauber. He's done well this year and now he's going to Ferrari."

Asked how he thought the Brazilian will fare at Ferrari, where he lines up alongside seven-time world Champion, Michael Schumacher, Webber said: "Who knows?

"That's the way it is," he continued. "Next year, you win two races you're a legend. But you're still the same guy. You've still got the same undies on.

"It's been a frustrating year," he added, referring to the season which comes to a close this weekend, "but winning races is something I'm very confident I can do in the future."

Looking ahead: "We've learned a lot and that's what happens when you're exposed against the best guys, like McLaren and Renault," he said. "People say 'Michael, is he over?' Is he this, is he that. The car this year hasn't been that good for him... so Michael hasn't done much this year.

"We haven't been the form operation and we hope it will be better next year," he added. "Winning races is one thing, winning the championship is another. A championship is a very, very hard thing to put together. That's why they only hand out one each year."