Moto3: F1 ace Mark Webber on Fenati: "What a talent"

By Lisa Lewis

Formula 1 star Mark Webber last night took to social media to praise upcoming talent 16 year old Romano Fenati, via his Twitter account.

The Red Bull driver, who often attends MotoGP events, posted the simple statement "what a talent" accompanied by a shot of his television showing the Italian rookie just moments after his landslide victory on a wet track but dry conditions at Sundays Jerez race.

The Team Italia FMI rider seemed both amazed and humbled to have received praise from such a high profile source, Fenati replying: "Many thanks Mark. I follow you always in Formula1. It's an honor for me that you have followed my race! thank u again."

Fenati's performance also drew much public praise from within the MotoGP paddock, including triple world champion Jorge Lorenzo.

"In a difficult race he could maintain the concentration and keep calm," commented Lorenzo. "It was very easy to crash but he kept calm and could keep a good pace. It was very impressive."

Reigning MotoGP champion Casey Stoner was one of many to be amazed by the size of Fenati's debut victory, at over 36 seconds.

"Im not sure what the record is for 125s but that a very big victory," he said. "He was past the first sector before they passed the finish line. I'm really impressed."

The Australian admitted to not knowing much about Fenati until the season started but after his debut podium in Qatar the reigning MotoGP world champion quickly took note of the youngster.

"I hadn't heard much about him until I saw him giving Vinales a lot of trouble in the first race," said Stoner. "He came in really quiet and is doing a fantastic job at the moment. He's a real talent."

Speaking after his win, in only his second grand prix, Fenati said:

"I am very pleased with the victory. I started well winning the first positions and then I did my pace until the end. I thank the whole team, which helped me a lot this weekend when I was confronted with the wet track, and my family. It was a great race that leads us ahead in the standings. I go to Estoril with great humility and curiosity about this amazing track. "

The Moto3 action continues again on Friday with practice in Estoril, Portugal.