Australia welcomes new hero.
29/01/2002
Australia woke up this morning to discover that it had a new name to cheer in Formula One - the first since David Brabham and Simtek in 1994.
Mark Webber graduates to the ranks of grand prix racing fresh from his runners-up spot in last year's FIA F3000 series, and rejoins compatriot, and former mentor, Paul Stoddart for his debut at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 3 March.
Naturally, the news that he will partner fellow rookie Alex Yoong in the KL-backed Minardi team this year has created great interest in Webber's homeland, coming as it did via a satellite link between the 25-year-old Queanbeyan native, Stoddart, and Australian
Grand Prix Corporation chairman Ron Walker in London and media in Melbourne.
Webber will be the first Australian to race in the Australian Grand Prix since the event came to Melbourne in 1996, and the first Australian in Formula One since David Brabham in 1994. Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive John Harnden said that securing a Formula One drive was "a fitting reward" for Webber's performances over several years in international motor racing.
"Mark has done the hard yards - in Formula Ford, Formula Three, sportscar racing and Formula 3000 - and has proven that he is ready to race in the world's premier competition," Harnden said, "We are absolutely thrilled that he will be making his debut in Melbourne.
"I'm sure all Australian sports fans will join in wishing him well for his first race, in front of his home crowd, and for his career in Formula One."
|
|
|
|
