Mark Webber - Revision history

Red marquis: /* 2008 */

2010-12-19T16:29:16Z

2008

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	==== 2008 ====		==== 2008 ====
	~~[[File:Mark Webber 2008 France.jpg\|thumb\|Webber driving for [[Red Bull Racing]] at the [[2008 French Grand Prix]]]]~~

	As per his contract, Webber started the year in [[2008 Australian Grand Prix\|Melbourne]] with Red Bull Racing. He recorded the fifth-fastest time in the first Friday practice session, second-fastest in the second, sixth-fastest in the Saturday practice session and was on his way to the top ten in the qualifying session when the front right brake disc in his car failed going into turn 6 during Q2, sending him spinning off into the sand trap ending his qualifying session, and resulting in 15th position on the grid. Although starting well, he momentarily went off the track at turn 1 to avoid being involved in contact that had already erupted. Webber made several positions by turn 3 but an incident involving himself, [[Kazuki Nakajima]] and [[Anthony Davidson]] when he was slightly contacted by Davidson whilst trying to avoid the struggle between the other two drivers, ended his race.<ref name="1stlapcrash"> {{cite web \| url=http://www.itv-f1.com/raceReport.aspx?id=1&Posting=42018 \| title= Melbourne 2008 \| date=2008-03-16 \| publisher=[ITV-F1]}}</ref>		As per his contract, Webber started the year in [[2008 Australian Grand Prix\|Melbourne]] with Red Bull Racing. He recorded the fifth-fastest time in the first Friday practice session, second-fastest in the second, sixth-fastest in the Saturday practice session and was on his way to the top ten in the qualifying session when the front right brake disc in his car failed going into turn 6 during Q2, sending him spinning off into the sand trap ending his qualifying session, and resulting in 15th position on the grid. Although starting well, he momentarily went off the track at turn 1 to avoid being involved in contact that had already erupted. Webber made several positions by turn 3 but an incident involving himself, [[Kazuki Nakajima]] and [[Anthony Davidson]] when he was slightly contacted by Davidson whilst trying to avoid the struggle between the other two drivers, ended his race.<ref name="1stlapcrash"> {{cite web \| url=http://www.itv-f1.com/raceReport.aspx?id=1&Posting=42018 \| title= Melbourne 2008 \| date=2008-03-16 \| publisher=[ITV-F1]}}</ref>

Red marquis: /* 2007 */

2010-12-19T16:29:02Z

2007

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	==== 2007 ====		==== 2007 ====
	At the first race of the season in [[2007 Australian Grand Prix\|Melbourne]], Webber qualified in 7th place and held that position for the early part of the race, managing to finish in 13th position after the RB3 suffered from a throttle-related malfunction and a jammed fuel flap. At the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Malaysian}}, he again out-qualified his more experienced team-mate Coulthard and finished tenth, which was encouraging for the team in such a new and radical car. [[2007 Bahrain Grand Prix\|Bahrain]] was also going well for both drivers, who were running in sixth and seventh positions, until both cars retired due to mechanical malfunctions. Webber again was hampered by the aforementioned jammed fuel flap, radically affecting the aerodynamic drag, a vital set-up consideration for the [[Bahrain International Circuit\|Sakhir circuit]].		At the first race of the season in [[2007 Australian Grand Prix\|Melbourne]], Webber qualified in 7th place and held that position for the early part of the race, managing to finish in 13th position after the RB3 suffered from a throttle-related malfunction and a jammed fuel flap. At the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Malaysian}}, he again out-qualified his more experienced team-mate Coulthard and finished tenth, which was encouraging for the team in such a new and radical car. [[2007 Bahrain Grand Prix\|Bahrain]] was also going well for both drivers, who were running in sixth and seventh positions, until both cars retired due to mechanical malfunctions. Webber again was hampered by the aforementioned jammed fuel flap, radically affecting the aerodynamic drag, a vital set-up consideration for the [[Bahrain International Circuit\|Sakhir circuit]].

	~~[[File:Mark Webber 2007 Britain.jpg\|thumb\|Webber driving for RBR at the [[2007 British Grand Prix]], with a special ''Wings for Life'' livery.]]~~

	The potential of both the car and Webber, who had certainly worked well to out-qualify his vastly more experienced team-mate, was highlighted by the closeness they had to other teams which ran the [[Renault F1\|Renault]] engine and although the [[Adrian Newey\|Newey]]-designed car had flaws which contributed to Webber's scoreless season to that point.<ref name="rb3relia">{{cite web \| url=http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/drivers/webber.shtml \| title= Mark Webber Profile (last paragraph) \| date=2007 \| publisher=[F1-live.com]}}</ref> Though the pace of the car seemed to be picking up, with Coulthard qualifying in the top-10 for the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Spanish}}, Webber was unable to convert his early weekend pace into a competitive grid position due to hydraulic problems. His race was much the same with a similar hydraulic problem leading to him retiring early in the race whilst team-mate Coulthard notched up the team's first points with a fifth place finish.		The potential of both the car and Webber, who had certainly worked well to out-qualify his vastly more experienced team-mate, was highlighted by the closeness they had to other teams which ran the [[Renault F1\|Renault]] engine and although the [[Adrian Newey\|Newey]]-designed car had flaws which contributed to Webber's scoreless season to that point.<ref name="rb3relia">{{cite web \| url=http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/drivers/webber.shtml \| title= Mark Webber Profile (last paragraph) \| date=2007 \| publisher=[F1-live.com]}}</ref> Though the pace of the car seemed to be picking up, with Coulthard qualifying in the top-10 for the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Spanish}}, Webber was unable to convert his early weekend pace into a competitive grid position due to hydraulic problems. His race was much the same with a similar hydraulic problem leading to him retiring early in the race whilst team-mate Coulthard notched up the team's first points with a fifth place finish.
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	Webber finally recorded the second podium of his career at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|European}} after qualifying in 6th position. A rain spiced race and the retirement of [[Kimi Räikkönen]], who was running third at the time, allowed Webber to claim third on the podium despite almost losing the position on the penultimate corner as he battled with [[Alexander Wurz]].<ref name="webwurz">{{cite web \| url=http://www.markwebber.com/news/details.cfm?ObjectID=1987&returnstring=%3FViewBy%3DRound%26view_by_round%3DId_142 \| title=WEBBER WEATHERS THE STORM TO TAKE PODIUM FINISH \| date=2007-07-22 \| publisher=[Mark Webber.com]}}</ref>		Webber finally recorded the second podium of his career at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|European}} after qualifying in 6th position. A rain spiced race and the retirement of [[Kimi Räikkönen]], who was running third at the time, allowed Webber to claim third on the podium despite almost losing the position on the penultimate corner as he battled with [[Alexander Wurz]].<ref name="webwurz">{{cite web \| url=http://www.markwebber.com/news/details.cfm?ObjectID=1987&returnstring=%3FViewBy%3DRound%26view_by_round%3DId_142 \| title=WEBBER WEATHERS THE STORM TO TAKE PODIUM FINISH \| date=2007-07-22 \| publisher=[Mark Webber.com]}}</ref>

	~~[[File:Mark Webber 2007.JPG\|thumb\|left\|Webber driving for [[Red Bull Racing]] at the [[2007 French Grand Prix]].]]~~		His best chance at winning a race occurred at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Japanese}} where, in the wet conditions, Webber ran in 2nd place, setting the 3rd fastest lap of the race after the two [[McLaren (racing)\|McLaren]]s. Towards the end of the race, Webber was running 2nd behind Lewis Hamilton, with no further pit stops to make, when [[Sebastian Vettel]], driver for sister team [[Scuderia Toro Rosso]], ran into the back of him when Hamilton suddenly reduced his speed in poor visibility and heavy rain under a safety car, taking both cars out of the race. He had been lapping faster than Hamilton due to damage on the McLaren's sidepod from contact with Robert Kubica. Out of the current Formula One drivers, until his win at the [[2009 German Grand Prix]], Webber has had the second highest number of starts without a win, and is often referred to as the "unluckiest man in modern Formula One",<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://f1-news.org/2007/10/31/f1-news-its-about-time-he-retired-isnt-it/\|title="It’s about time he retired, isn’t it?"\|publisher=www.f1-news.org\|date=2007-10-31\|accessdate=2008-01-12}}</ref> a title that was reinforced in Japan as Webber started the race suffering from food poisoning and vomited inside his helmet during the first safety car period.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7020434.stm \|title=BBC SPORT \| Motorsport \| Formula One \| Hamilton moves to brink of title \|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk \|author=Andrew Benson \|date=2007-09-30<!-- 07:32 UK -->\|accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref> When questioned by ITV's Louise Goodman about the race ending collision Webber commented: "Well it's kids, isn't it. Kids with not enough experience, doing a good job then they fuck it all up," referring to Vettel running into the back of him behind the safety car.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/mark-webber-hamilton-only-the-english-are-interested-795603.html \| title= Mark Webber: 'Hamilton? Only the English are interested' \| date=2008-03-14 \| publisher=[The Independent]}}</ref>

	His best chance at winning a race occurred at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Japanese}} where, in the wet conditions, Webber ran in 2nd place, setting the 3rd fastest lap of the race after the two [[McLaren (racing)\|McLaren]]s. Towards the end of the race, Webber was running 2nd behind Lewis Hamilton, with no further pit stops to make, when [[Sebastian Vettel]], driver for sister team [[Scuderia Toro Rosso]], ran into the back of him when Hamilton suddenly reduced his speed in poor visibility and heavy rain under a safety car, taking both cars out of the race. He had been lapping faster than Hamilton due to damage on the McLaren's sidepod from contact with Robert Kubica. Out of the current Formula One drivers, until his win at the [[2009 German Grand Prix]], Webber has had the second highest number of starts without a win, and is often referred to as the "unluckiest man in modern Formula One",<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://f1-news.org/2007/10/31/f1-news-its-about-time-he-retired-isnt-it/\|title="It’s about time he retired, isn’t it?"\|publisher=www.f1-news.org\|date=2007-10-31\|accessdate=2008-01-12}}</ref> a title that was reinforced in Japan as Webber started the race suffering from food poisoning and vomited inside his helmet during the first safety car period.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7020434.stm \|title=BBC SPORT \| Motorsport \| Formula One \| Hamilton moves to brink of title \|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk \|author=Andrew Benson \|date=2007-09-30<!-- 07:32 UK -->\|accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref> When questioned by ITV's [[Louise Goodman]] about the race ending collision Webber commented: "Well it's kids, isn't it. Kids with not enough experience, doing a good job then they fuck it all up," referring to Vettel running into the back of him behind the safety car.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/mark-webber-hamilton-only-the-english-are-interested-795603.html \| title= Mark Webber: 'Hamilton? Only the English are interested' \| date=2008-03-14 \| publisher=[The Independent]}}</ref>

	Webber again looked strong at the final race of the season in [[2007 Brazilian Grand Prix\|Brazil]]. Webber qualified fifth in front of both [[BMW Sauber]]s and behind only the [[Ferrari]]s and McLarens. Webber looked strong in the race, running as high as fourth, before yet another mechanical failure brought an end to a disappointing but promising season for the Australian.		Webber again looked strong at the final race of the season in [[2007 Brazilian Grand Prix\|Brazil]]. Webber qualified fifth in front of both [[BMW Sauber]]s and behind only the [[Ferrari]]s and McLarens. Webber looked strong in the race, running as high as fourth, before yet another mechanical failure brought an end to a disappointing but promising season for the Australian.

Red marquis: /* 2009 */

2010-12-19T16:27:45Z

2009

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	==== 2009 ====		==== 2009 ====
	~~[[File:Mark Webber 2009 Turkey.jpg\|thumb\|Mark Webber driving for [[Red Bull Racing]] at the [[2009 Turkish Grand Prix]].]]~~

	Webber remained with Red Bull for {{F1\|2009}}, where he was joined by [[Sebastian Vettel]] after [[David Coulthard]]'s retirement at the end of 2008. After sustaining a broken leg in a road accident during his charity event in Tasmania in the off-season, he returned to testing on February 11 with steel rods in his leg.<ref>{{cite news\| last=Beer\| first=Matt\| title =Webber sets date for testing return\| publisher =autosport.com\| url =http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72843\| date =2009-01-17\| accessdate =2009-01-18}}</ref>		Webber remained with Red Bull for {{F1\|2009}}, where he was joined by [[Sebastian Vettel]] after [[David Coulthard]]'s retirement at the end of 2008. After sustaining a broken leg in a road accident during his charity event in Tasmania in the off-season, he returned to testing on February 11 with steel rods in his leg.<ref>{{cite news\| last=Beer\| first=Matt\| title =Webber sets date for testing return\| publisher =autosport.com\| url =http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72843\| date =2009-01-17\| accessdate =2009-01-18}}</ref>
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	The [[2009 Chinese\|Chinese Grand Prix]] proved a breakthrough for Webber. Starting in third position, the race began under the safety car due to heavy rain. 25 minutes into the event, the safety car eventually re-entered the pit lane. Webber, who had gained a position with Alonso pitting, held strong in second position in extreme wet conditions until his first pit stop. Re-emerging in sixth position, he fought his way up the order, eventually having a tight-battle with Brawn GP's [[Jenson Button]]. He eventually overcame the pressure from Button and continued to pull away from him. Emerging after his second, and final, pit stop, he found himself in third position: Button ahead and Barrichello behind. Pulling away from Rubens, he eventually gained the advantage over Button during the Brit's pit stop. Gaining 9 seconds on his team mate in the last 15 laps, he brought his car home in 2nd position, 12 seconds behind Vettel. This event marked Webber's career-best finish and was also the first win (and 1-2 finish) for the [[Red Bull Racing\|Red Bull]] team.		The [[2009 Chinese\|Chinese Grand Prix]] proved a breakthrough for Webber. Starting in third position, the race began under the safety car due to heavy rain. 25 minutes into the event, the safety car eventually re-entered the pit lane. Webber, who had gained a position with Alonso pitting, held strong in second position in extreme wet conditions until his first pit stop. Re-emerging in sixth position, he fought his way up the order, eventually having a tight-battle with Brawn GP's [[Jenson Button]]. He eventually overcame the pressure from Button and continued to pull away from him. Emerging after his second, and final, pit stop, he found himself in third position: Button ahead and Barrichello behind. Pulling away from Rubens, he eventually gained the advantage over Button during the Brit's pit stop. Gaining 9 seconds on his team mate in the last 15 laps, he brought his car home in 2nd position, 12 seconds behind Vettel. This event marked Webber's career-best finish and was also the first win (and 1-2 finish) for the [[Red Bull Racing\|Red Bull]] team.

	~~[[File:Mark Webber 2009 Germany.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Webber won his first [[Formula One]] race at the [[2009 German Grand Prix]].]]~~

	The [[2009 Spanish Grand Prix\|Spanish Grand Prix]] saw Webber qualifying fifth fastest and finishing third in the race, with Brawn GP's Barrichello in second and Red Bull Racing team mate, Vettel, in fourth. The pace of the RB5 had given Webber the speed necessary to compete regularly for podiums. Webber took 5th in [[2009 Monaco Grand Prix\|Monaco]] and followed this up with his equal career best 2nd place in [[2009 Turkish Grand Prix\|Turkey]], also equalling this result in the subsequent {{F1 GP\|2009\|British}} at [[Silverstone Circuit\|Silverstone]].		The [[2009 Spanish Grand Prix\|Spanish Grand Prix]] saw Webber qualifying fifth fastest and finishing third in the race, with Brawn GP's Barrichello in second and Red Bull Racing team mate, Vettel, in fourth. The pace of the RB5 had given Webber the speed necessary to compete regularly for podiums. Webber took 5th in [[2009 Monaco Grand Prix\|Monaco]] and followed this up with his equal career best 2nd place in [[2009 Turkish Grand Prix\|Turkey]], also equalling this result in the subsequent {{F1 GP\|2009\|British}} at [[Silverstone Circuit\|Silverstone]].

Red marquis: /* 2005 */

2010-12-19T16:26:20Z

2005

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	==== 2005 ====		==== 2005 ====
	In his first race for the team, the [[2005 Australian Grand Prix]], Webber took 3rd on the grid but was beaten to the first corner by [[David Coulthard]] and eventually finished fifth – still unable to improve on his best F1 finish. His best chance to do so though came in the following race in [[2005 Malaysian Grand Prix\|Malaysia]]. After qualifying fourth, Webber was defending third position having overtaken the Renault of [[Giancarlo Fisichella]] at turn 14. An optimistic Fisichella (who was struggling due to a lack of [[downforce]] and tyre grip) slip streamed Webber on the back straight and attempted a counter-pass down the inside of turn 15. Unfortunately, Fisichella locked his brakes and slid into the side of Webber's car, eliminating both drivers from the race. This allowed Heidfeld to inherit third place and Fisichella was later reprimanded by race stewards for causing the incident. It was later revealed that Webber had competed in the first two races suffering a fractured [[rib]], from an injury he had sustained during pre-season testing at [[Circuit de Catalunya\|Barcelona]], though he "didn't want to make a fuss" about it and would be fully fit in time for the [[2005 Bahrain Grand Prix\|Bahrain Grand Prix]].		In his first race for the team, the [[2005 Australian Grand Prix]], Webber took 3rd on the grid but was beaten to the first corner by [[David Coulthard]] and eventually finished fifth – still unable to improve on his best F1 finish. His best chance to do so though came in the following race in [[2005 Malaysian Grand Prix\|Malaysia]]. After qualifying fourth, Webber was defending third position having overtaken the Renault of [[Giancarlo Fisichella]] at turn 14. An optimistic Fisichella (who was struggling due to a lack of [[downforce]] and tyre grip) slip streamed Webber on the back straight and attempted a counter-pass down the inside of turn 15. Unfortunately, Fisichella locked his brakes and slid into the side of Webber's car, eliminating both drivers from the race. This allowed Heidfeld to inherit third place and Fisichella was later reprimanded by race stewards for causing the incident. It was later revealed that Webber had competed in the first two races suffering a fractured rib, from an injury he had sustained during pre-season testing at [[Circuit de Catalunya\|Barcelona]], though he "didn't want to make a fuss" about it and would be fully fit in time for the [[2005 Bahrain Grand Prix\|Bahrain Grand Prix]].

	After qualifying fifth in Bahrain, Webber had been as high as third place in the race but he ultimately finished sixth, taking his points tally to 7 for the season. He followed this up by qualifying fourth and finishing a disappointing 10th after twice running wide off the track in the [[2005 San Marino Grand Prix\|San Marino Grand Prix]], although his position was revised to 7th after the disqualification of the [[British American Racing\|BAR]] team and a resulting penalty to Ralf Schumacher. The race was a poor one for Williams (Heidfeld was 9th before the reclassification), but Webber hit back at the [[2005 Spanish Grand Prix\|Spanish Grand Prix]], qualifying 2nd and finishing 6th - his fourth pointscoring finish in the first five races.		After qualifying fifth in Bahrain, Webber had been as high as third place in the race but he ultimately finished sixth, taking his points tally to 7 for the season. He followed this up by qualifying fourth and finishing a disappointing 10th after twice running wide off the track in the [[2005 San Marino Grand Prix\|San Marino Grand Prix]], although his position was revised to 7th after the disqualification of the [[British American Racing\|BAR]] team and a resulting penalty to Ralf Schumacher. The race was a poor one for Williams (Heidfeld was 9th before the reclassification), but Webber hit back at the [[2005 Spanish Grand Prix\|Spanish Grand Prix]], qualifying 2nd and finishing 6th - his fourth pointscoring finish in the first five races.

Red marquis: /* 2003 */

2010-12-19T16:25:03Z

2003

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	=== Jaguar (2003–2004) ===		=== Jaguar (2003–2004) ===
	==== 2003 ====		==== 2003 ====
	Webber's Jaguar career started disappointingly when he qualified in 14th place for the [[2003 Australian Grand Prix\|Australian Grand Prix]] before being forced to retire on lap 15 with a rear [[suspension]] failure. The following race in [[2003 Malaysian Grand Prix\|Malaysia]] was problematic for Webber; [[Giancarlo Fisichella]] began reversing towards him on the starting grid and then Webber's in-car [[fire extinguisher]] discharged into his face. He was eventually forced to retire from 8th position with an oil consumption problem.		Webber's Jaguar career started disappointingly when he qualified in 14th place for the [[2003 Australian Grand Prix\|Australian Grand Prix]] before being forced to retire on lap 15 with a rear [[suspension]] failure. The following race in [[2003 Malaysian Grand Prix\|Malaysia]] was problematic for Webber; [[Giancarlo Fisichella]] began reversing towards him on the starting grid and then Webber's in-car fire extinguisher discharged into his face. He was eventually forced to retire from 8th position with an oil consumption problem.

	Webber took provisional pole position in Friday qualifying of the [[2003 Brazilian Grand Prix\|Brazilian Grand Prix]], out-qualifying local driver [[Rubens Barrichello]] by 0.138 seconds during a [[rain]]-affected session. He continued his good performance in the Saturday session taking a career-best 3rd on the grid, Jaguar Racing's best qualifying performance in their four-year Formula 1 history. In the race, which was hit heavily by rain, Webber was in seventh place when he attempted to cool his [[tire\|tyres]] by driving through a [[puddle]] lying off-line in the final corner. The resultant lack of ~~[[friction\|~~grip]] caused Webber to crash heavily into the pit straight walls, leaving debris on the track which caused a second major crash; [[Fernando Alonso]] hitting a stray tyre. The race was subsequently [[List of red-flagged Formula One races\|red-flagged]], and although Webber was originally classified in 7th, an FIA investigation found a timekeeping error which meant that Webber was placed 9th in the re-classification.		Webber took provisional pole position in Friday qualifying of the [[2003 Brazilian Grand Prix\|Brazilian Grand Prix]], out-qualifying local driver [[Rubens Barrichello]] by 0.138 seconds during a rain-affected session. He continued his good performance in the Saturday session taking a career-best 3rd on the grid, Jaguar Racing's best qualifying performance in their four-year Formula 1 history. In the race, which was hit heavily by rain, Webber was in seventh place when he attempted to cool his [[tire\|tyres]] by driving through a puddle lying off-line in the final corner. The resultant lack of grip caused Webber to crash heavily into the pit straight walls, leaving debris on the track which caused a second major crash; [[Fernando Alonso]] hitting a stray tyre. The race was subsequently [[List of red-flagged Formula One races\|red-flagged]], and although Webber was originally classified in 7th, an FIA investigation found a timekeeping error which meant that Webber was placed 9th in the re-classification.

	Webber's good qualifying form continued into the [[2003 San Marino Grand Prix\|San Marino Grand Prix]] but at the start of the race he had dropped from 5th to 11th by the first corner due to a launch control failure that affected both Jaguars. He retired from the race after 54 laps with a [[driveshaft]] failure, his fourth consecutive non-finish for the year. His luck improved in the following races though, taking his first points in [[2003 Spanish Grand Prix\|Spain]] and signing a new 2-year contract with the team reportedly worth $US6 million per season.		Webber's good qualifying form continued into the [[2003 San Marino Grand Prix\|San Marino Grand Prix]] but at the start of the race he had dropped from 5th to 11th by the first corner due to a launch control failure that affected both Jaguars. He retired from the race after 54 laps with a [[driveshaft]] failure, his fourth consecutive non-finish for the year. His luck improved in the following races though, taking his first points in [[2003 Spanish Grand Prix\|Spain]] and signing a new 2-year contract with the team reportedly worth $US6 million per season.

Red marquis: /* Formula Three and GT */

2010-12-19T16:22:44Z

Formula Three and GT

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	====Formula Three and GT====		====Formula Three and GT====
	Without the financial backing he had enjoyed during his time in Formula Ford, Webber and his team struggled to find the money to fund their championship campaign. He was almost forced to quit halfway through the season, but was able to obtain personal support from Australian [[rugby union]] legend [[David Campese]], which helped him to complete the year. Webber took victory in just his fourth ever F3 race, at Brands Hatch, leading from start to finish and setting a new lap record in the process. He took a further four podium finishes, including a second place in the support race for the [[1997 British Grand Prix]], and finished the season in fourth overall. Webber also took strong finishes in the [[Masters of Formula 3\|Marlboro Masters]] at Zandvoort (3rd) and the [[Macau Grand Prix]] (4th), both times making his circuit debut.		Without the financial backing he had enjoyed during his time in Formula Ford, Webber and his team struggled to find the money to fund their championship campaign. He was almost forced to quit halfway through the season, but was able to obtain personal support from Australian rugby union legend David Campese, which helped him to complete the year. Webber took victory in just his fourth ever F3 race, at Brands Hatch, leading from start to finish and setting a new lap record in the process. He took a further four podium finishes, including a second place in the support race for the [[1997 British Grand Prix]], and finished the season in fourth overall. Webber also took strong finishes in the [[Masters of Formula 3\|Marlboro Masters]] at Zandvoort (3rd) and the [[Macau Grand Prix]] (4th), both times making his circuit debut.

	During the 1997 season, Webber was approached by [[Mercedes-Benz in motorsport\|Mercedes-AMG]] to compete in a [[sports car racing\|sports car]] race. Although he initially declined the offer he was persuaded at the end of the year when invited to participate in a test session for the team at the [[Österreichring\|A1-Ring]] in [[Austria]]. AMG were suitably impressed with Webber, and he was signed as the official Mercedes works junior driver for the 1998 [[FIA GT Championship]], alongside reigning champion [[Bernd Schneider (racecar driver)\|Bernd Schneider]]. Travelling around the world, including the [[United States]], [[Japan]] and Europe, the pair won five of the ten rounds on their way to second in the overall standings, remarkably beaten to the Championship by teammates [[Klaus Ludwig]] and [[Ricardo Zonta]] by just eight seconds in the final race at [[Laguna Seca]]. Webber remained with the AMG team for 1999, and was promoted to his own race car for the season. However, his sportscar career came to an early end after he flipped twice on the main straight during practice events for the [[1999 24 Hours of Le Mans]] race. An aerodynamic fault on the team's [[Mercedes-Benz CLR]]s caused Webber to spectacularly become airborne during both practice and race-day warm up, with the same fate befalling teammate [[Peter Dumbreck]] five hours into the race. Both drivers escaped uninjured, but the crashes forced Mercedes to shelve their sportscar program for the year and Webber to reconsider a return to [[open wheel car\|open wheel]] racing.		During the 1997 season, Webber was approached by [[Mercedes-Benz in motorsport\|Mercedes-AMG]] to compete in a [[sports car racing\|sports car]] race. Although he initially declined the offer he was persuaded at the end of the year when invited to participate in a test session for the team at the [[Österreichring\|A1-Ring]] in Austria. AMG were suitably impressed with Webber, and he was signed as the official Mercedes works junior driver for the 1998 [[FIA GT Championship]], alongside reigning champion [[Bernd Schneider (racecar driver)\|Bernd Schneider]]. Travelling around the world, including the United States, Japan and Europe, the pair won five of the ten rounds on their way to second in the overall standings, remarkably beaten to the Championship by teammates [[Klaus Ludwig]] and [[Ricardo Zonta]] by just eight seconds in the final race at [[Laguna Seca]]. Webber remained with the AMG team for 1999, and was promoted to his own race car for the season. However, his sportscar career came to an early end after he flipped twice on the main straight during practice events for the [[1999 24 Hours of Le Mans]] race. An aerodynamic fault on the team's [[Mercedes-Benz CLR]]s caused Webber to spectacularly become airborne during both practice and race-day warm up, with the same fate befalling teammate [[Peter Dumbreck]] five hours into the race. Both drivers escaped uninjured, but the crashes forced Mercedes to shelve their sportscar program for the year and Webber to reconsider a return to [[open wheel car\|open wheel]] racing.

	====Formula One testing and signing====		====Formula One testing and signing====

Red marquis at 16:21, 19 December 2010

2010-12-19T16:21:32Z

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	<!--Table to prevent [edit] links becoming bunched (cf [[WP:BUNCH]])-->		<!--Table to prevent [edit] links becoming bunched (cf [[WP:BUNCH]])-->
	\|{{Infobox F1 driver\|		\|{{Infobox F1 driver\|
	Image = [[Image:Mark ~~Webber~~.jpg\|Webber celebrating his win at the [[2009 Brazilian Grand Prix]].]] \|		Image = [[Image:Mark Webberr.jpg\|Webber celebrating his win at the [[2009 Brazilian Grand Prix]].]] \|
	Name = Mark Webber \|		Name = Mark Webber \|
	Nationality = {{flagicon\|Australia}} Australian \|		Nationality = {{flagicon\|Australia}} Australian \|

Red marquis at 16:20, 19 December 2010

2010-12-19T16:20:36Z

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	{{sup\|*}} Season in progress.<br />		{{sup\|*}} Season in progress.<br />
	{{sup\|‡}} Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.		{{sup\|‡}} Half points awarded as less than 75% of race distance was completed.

	~~==Footnotes==~~
	~~{{Reflist\|colwidth=30em}}~~

	~~==References==~~
	* [[Peter Windsor\|Windsor, Peter]]. "The boy done good" ''F1 Racing (Australian edition)'' July 2003: pp. 36–47
	* {{cite web \| title=Mark Webber – About – History \| url=http://www.markwebber.com/about/history.cfm \| accessdate=February 7, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| title=Mark Webber \| work=pitpass \| url=http://www.pitpass.com/src/drivers/webber.php \| accessdate=February 7, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| title=Mark Webber \| work=F1 Live \| url=http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/en/season/2005drivers/cv_webber.shtml \| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070930193757/http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/en/season/2005drivers/cv_webber.shtml \| archivedate=2007-09-30 \| accessdate=February 7, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| title=Mark Webber \| work=Crash.net \| url=http://www.crash.net/driver_view.asp?cid=1&did=845 \| accessdate=February 7, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| title=Mark Webber \| work=Planet-F1.com \| url=http://www.planet-f1.com/driver_profile/?driver=WEBBER \| archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20051217223527/http://www.planet-f1.com/driver_profile/?driver=WEBBER \| archivedate=2005-12-17 \| accessdate=February 7, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| title=Drivers:Mark Webber \| work=GrandPrix.com GP Encyclopedia \| url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/drv-webmar.html \| accessdate=February 7, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| title=Formula One Driver Profiles – Mark Webber \| work=Sporting Life \| url=http://www.sportinglife.com/formula1/drivers/webber.html \| accessdate=February 7, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| author=Garton, Nick \| year=2002 \| title=Webber's path to the top \| url=http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ftng035.html \| accessdate=February 8, 2006}}
	* {{cite web \| year=2004 \| title=Q&A: Mark Webber – Pt. 2 \| url=http://www.davidbrabham.com/news_detail.asp?championship_id=1&news_id=103038\| accessdate=February 8, 2006}}
	* {{cite news \| author=Jennings, Bob \| year=2003 \| title=Making a Mark in the fast lane \| url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/03/06/1046826484428.html \| work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] \| accessdate=February 8, 2006 \| date=2003-03-07}}
	* Rowlinson, Anthony. "An awfully big adventure" ''F1 Racing (Australian edition)'' January 2004: pp. 94–102

	==External links==		==External links==
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	* [http://www.4mula1.ro/history/driver/Mark_Webber Mark Webber's Formula 1 statistics]		* [http://www.4mula1.ro/history/driver/Mark_Webber Mark Webber's Formula 1 statistics]

	~~{{S-start}}~~
	~~{{s-sports}}~~
	{{Succession box\| title = [[Formula Ford Festival\|Formula Ford Festival Winner]]\| years=1996 \| before = [[Kevin McGarrity]] \| after=[[Jacky van der Ende]]}}		{{Succession box\| title = [[Formula Ford Festival\|Formula Ford Festival Winner]]\| years=1996 \| before = [[Kevin McGarrity]] \| after=[[Jacky van der Ende]]}}
	~~{{s-ach}}~~
	{{Succession box\|before=[[Juan Pablo Montoya]]\|title=[[Autosport]]<br />Rookie of the Year\|years=2002\|after=[[Dan Wheldon]]}}		{{Succession box\|before=[[Juan Pablo Montoya]]\|title=[[Autosport]]<br />Rookie of the Year\|years=2002\|after=[[Dan Wheldon]]}}
	{{Succession box\|before=[[Fernando Alonso]]\|title=[[Lorenzo Bandini Trophy]]\|years=2006\|after=[[Felipe Massa]]}}		{{Succession box\|before=[[Fernando Alonso]]\|title=[[Lorenzo Bandini Trophy]]\|years=2006\|after=[[Felipe Massa]]}}
	~~{{S-end}}~~
	{{Formula One teams}}		{{Formula One teams}}
	{{RBR}}		{{RBR}}
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	[[Category:Australian racecar drivers]]		[[Category:Australian racecar drivers]]
	~~[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in the United Kingdom]]~~
	[[Category:British Formula Three Championship drivers]]		[[Category:British Formula Three Championship drivers]]
	[[Category:FIA GT Championship drivers]]		[[Category:FIA GT Championship drivers]]
	[[Category:Formula Ford drivers]]		[[Category:Formula Ford drivers]]
	[[Category:International Formula 3000 drivers]]		[[Category:International Formula 3000 drivers]]
	~~[[Category:Living people]]~~
	[[Category:Minardi Formula One drivers]]		[[Category:Minardi Formula One drivers]]
	[[Category:Williams Formula One drivers]]		[[Category:Williams Formula One drivers]]
	~~[[Category:People from Queanbeyan, New South Wales]]~~
	[[Category:Red Bull Racing]]		[[Category:Red Bull Racing]]
	[[Category:Monaco Grand Prix winners]-->		[[Category:Monaco Grand Prix winners]-->

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	[[Category:Williams Formula One drivers]]		[[Category:Williams Formula One drivers]]
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	[[Category:Red Bull Racing]]		[[Category:Red Bull Racing]]
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← Older revision		Revision as of 16:29, 19 December 2010
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	==== 2007 ====		==== 2007 ====
	At the first race of the season in [[2007 Australian Grand Prix\|Melbourne]], Webber qualified in 7th place and held that position for the early part of the race, managing to finish in 13th position after the RB3 suffered from a throttle-related malfunction and a jammed fuel flap. At the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Malaysian}}, he again out-qualified his more experienced team-mate Coulthard and finished tenth, which was encouraging for the team in such a new and radical car. [[2007 Bahrain Grand Prix\|Bahrain]] was also going well for both drivers, who were running in sixth and seventh positions, until both cars retired due to mechanical malfunctions. Webber again was hampered by the aforementioned jammed fuel flap, radically affecting the aerodynamic drag, a vital set-up consideration for the [[Bahrain International Circuit\|Sakhir circuit]].		At the first race of the season in [[2007 Australian Grand Prix\|Melbourne]], Webber qualified in 7th place and held that position for the early part of the race, managing to finish in 13th position after the RB3 suffered from a throttle-related malfunction and a jammed fuel flap. At the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Malaysian}}, he again out-qualified his more experienced team-mate Coulthard and finished tenth, which was encouraging for the team in such a new and radical car. [[2007 Bahrain Grand Prix\|Bahrain]] was also going well for both drivers, who were running in sixth and seventh positions, until both cars retired due to mechanical malfunctions. Webber again was hampered by the aforementioned jammed fuel flap, radically affecting the aerodynamic drag, a vital set-up consideration for the [[Bahrain International Circuit\|Sakhir circuit]].

	~~[[File:Mark Webber 2007 Britain.jpg\|thumb\|Webber driving for RBR at the [[2007 British Grand Prix]], with a special ''Wings for Life'' livery.]]~~

	The potential of both the car and Webber, who had certainly worked well to out-qualify his vastly more experienced team-mate, was highlighted by the closeness they had to other teams which ran the [[Renault F1\|Renault]] engine and although the [[Adrian Newey\|Newey]]-designed car had flaws which contributed to Webber's scoreless season to that point.<ref name="rb3relia">{{cite web \| url=http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/drivers/webber.shtml \| title= Mark Webber Profile (last paragraph) \| date=2007 \| publisher=[F1-live.com]}}</ref> Though the pace of the car seemed to be picking up, with Coulthard qualifying in the top-10 for the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Spanish}}, Webber was unable to convert his early weekend pace into a competitive grid position due to hydraulic problems. His race was much the same with a similar hydraulic problem leading to him retiring early in the race whilst team-mate Coulthard notched up the team's first points with a fifth place finish.		The potential of both the car and Webber, who had certainly worked well to out-qualify his vastly more experienced team-mate, was highlighted by the closeness they had to other teams which ran the [[Renault F1\|Renault]] engine and although the [[Adrian Newey\|Newey]]-designed car had flaws which contributed to Webber's scoreless season to that point.<ref name="rb3relia">{{cite web \| url=http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/drivers/webber.shtml \| title= Mark Webber Profile (last paragraph) \| date=2007 \| publisher=[F1-live.com]}}</ref> Though the pace of the car seemed to be picking up, with Coulthard qualifying in the top-10 for the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Spanish}}, Webber was unable to convert his early weekend pace into a competitive grid position due to hydraulic problems. His race was much the same with a similar hydraulic problem leading to him retiring early in the race whilst team-mate Coulthard notched up the team's first points with a fifth place finish.
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	Webber finally recorded the second podium of his career at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|European}} after qualifying in 6th position. A rain spiced race and the retirement of [[Kimi Räikkönen]], who was running third at the time, allowed Webber to claim third on the podium despite almost losing the position on the penultimate corner as he battled with [[Alexander Wurz]].<ref name="webwurz">{{cite web \| url=http://www.markwebber.com/news/details.cfm?ObjectID=1987&returnstring=%3FViewBy%3DRound%26view_by_round%3DId_142 \| title=WEBBER WEATHERS THE STORM TO TAKE PODIUM FINISH \| date=2007-07-22 \| publisher=[Mark Webber.com]}}</ref>		Webber finally recorded the second podium of his career at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|European}} after qualifying in 6th position. A rain spiced race and the retirement of [[Kimi Räikkönen]], who was running third at the time, allowed Webber to claim third on the podium despite almost losing the position on the penultimate corner as he battled with [[Alexander Wurz]].<ref name="webwurz">{{cite web \| url=http://www.markwebber.com/news/details.cfm?ObjectID=1987&returnstring=%3FViewBy%3DRound%26view_by_round%3DId_142 \| title=WEBBER WEATHERS THE STORM TO TAKE PODIUM FINISH \| date=2007-07-22 \| publisher=[Mark Webber.com]}}</ref>

	~~[[File:Mark Webber 2007.JPG\|thumb\|left\|Webber driving for [[Red Bull Racing]] at the [[2007 French Grand Prix]].]]~~		His best chance at winning a race occurred at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Japanese}} where, in the wet conditions, Webber ran in 2nd place, setting the 3rd fastest lap of the race after the two [[McLaren (racing)\|McLaren]]s. Towards the end of the race, Webber was running 2nd behind Lewis Hamilton, with no further pit stops to make, when [[Sebastian Vettel]], driver for sister team [[Scuderia Toro Rosso]], ran into the back of him when Hamilton suddenly reduced his speed in poor visibility and heavy rain under a safety car, taking both cars out of the race. He had been lapping faster than Hamilton due to damage on the McLaren's sidepod from contact with Robert Kubica. Out of the current Formula One drivers, until his win at the [[2009 German Grand Prix]], Webber has had the second highest number of starts without a win, and is often referred to as the "unluckiest man in modern Formula One",<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://f1-news.org/2007/10/31/f1-news-its-about-time-he-retired-isnt-it/\|title="It’s about time he retired, isn’t it?"\|publisher=www.f1-news.org\|date=2007-10-31\|accessdate=2008-01-12}}</ref> a title that was reinforced in Japan as Webber started the race suffering from food poisoning and vomited inside his helmet during the first safety car period.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7020434.stm \|title=BBC SPORT \| Motorsport \| Formula One \| Hamilton moves to brink of title \|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk \|author=Andrew Benson \|date=2007-09-30<!-- 07:32 UK -->\|accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref> When questioned by ITV's Louise Goodman about the race ending collision Webber commented: "Well it's kids, isn't it. Kids with not enough experience, doing a good job then they fuck it all up," referring to Vettel running into the back of him behind the safety car.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/mark-webber-hamilton-only-the-english-are-interested-795603.html \| title= Mark Webber: 'Hamilton? Only the English are interested' \| date=2008-03-14 \| publisher=[The Independent]}}</ref>

	His best chance at winning a race occurred at the {{F1 GP\|2007\|Japanese}} where, in the wet conditions, Webber ran in 2nd place, setting the 3rd fastest lap of the race after the two [[McLaren (racing)\|McLaren]]s. Towards the end of the race, Webber was running 2nd behind Lewis Hamilton, with no further pit stops to make, when [[Sebastian Vettel]], driver for sister team [[Scuderia Toro Rosso]], ran into the back of him when Hamilton suddenly reduced his speed in poor visibility and heavy rain under a safety car, taking both cars out of the race. He had been lapping faster than Hamilton due to damage on the McLaren's sidepod from contact with Robert Kubica. Out of the current Formula One drivers, until his win at the [[2009 German Grand Prix]], Webber has had the second highest number of starts without a win, and is often referred to as the "unluckiest man in modern Formula One",<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://f1-news.org/2007/10/31/f1-news-its-about-time-he-retired-isnt-it/\|title="It’s about time he retired, isn’t it?"\|publisher=www.f1-news.org\|date=2007-10-31\|accessdate=2008-01-12}}</ref> a title that was reinforced in Japan as Webber started the race suffering from food poisoning and vomited inside his helmet during the first safety car period.<ref>{{cite news\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7020434.stm \|title=BBC SPORT \| Motorsport \| Formula One \| Hamilton moves to brink of title \|publisher=News.bbc.co.uk \|author=Andrew Benson \|date=2007-09-30<!-- 07:32 UK -->\|accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref> When questioned by ITV's [[Louise Goodman]] about the race ending collision Webber commented: "Well it's kids, isn't it. Kids with not enough experience, doing a good job then they fuck it all up," referring to Vettel running into the back of him behind the safety car.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/mark-webber-hamilton-only-the-english-are-interested-795603.html \| title= Mark Webber: 'Hamilton? Only the English are interested' \| date=2008-03-14 \| publisher=[The Independent]}}</ref>

	Webber again looked strong at the final race of the season in [[2007 Brazilian Grand Prix\|Brazil]]. Webber qualified fifth in front of both [[BMW Sauber]]s and behind only the [[Ferrari]]s and McLarens. Webber looked strong in the race, running as high as fourth, before yet another mechanical failure brought an end to a disappointing but promising season for the Australian.		Webber again looked strong at the final race of the season in [[2007 Brazilian Grand Prix\|Brazil]]. Webber qualified fifth in front of both [[BMW Sauber]]s and behind only the [[Ferrari]]s and McLarens. Webber looked strong in the race, running as high as fourth, before yet another mechanical failure brought an end to a disappointing but promising season for the Australian.

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	\|{{Infobox F1 driver\|		\|{{Infobox F1 driver\|
	Image = [[Image:Mark ~~Webber~~.jpg\|Webber celebrating his win at the [[2009 Brazilian Grand Prix]].]] \|		Image = [[Image:Mark Webberr.jpg\|Webber celebrating his win at the [[2009 Brazilian Grand Prix]].]] \|
	Name = Mark Webber \|		Name = Mark Webber \|
	Nationality = {{flagicon\|Australia}} Australian \|		Nationality = {{flagicon\|Australia}} Australian \|