Italian Briatore, the crashgate conspirator and former Renault team boss, is still the Australian Red Bull driver's manager.

And amid reports the 60-year-old is attending a string of grands prix ahead of possibly assuming a future role alongside Bernie Ecclestone, Germany's Bild newspaper gives a different theory for Briatore's presence.

Bild said Webber's contract extension for 2011 is for just 8 million euros, but that as champion the 33-year-old will be in a position to negotiate a much higher retainer, with "a 20 per cent commission for his manager".

After winning at Silverstone, and in the midst of the front wing saga, Webber revealed that he spoke to Briatore before the race "and he said 'Mark, just make a good start'."

Bild said it suspects Briatore was behind Webber's public comments including "not bad for a number two driver", and "I would never have signed a contract again for next year".

"He knows that public pressure can bring his client a better deal," said the newspaper.