The primordial mind for Mark Webber

The Australian driver returns in Endurance, which he had attended with the team Mercedes at the end of the 90s. For Webber, the return to this type of endurance racing will certainly require always optimal physical condition, but without comparison with the constraints of the F1 ?This time, I don?t need to be at optimal weight in February. » explains the former pilot Red Bull. “The preparation for F1 was different, where I had to be at the right weight from the start of pre-season testing and control it very rigorously. However, I don't think for a moment that I'm overweight in prototype. I will be at my F1 weight for the start of the championship in April knowing that the FIA ​​season WEC is significantly shorter with only eight races on the program. I am well aware that I do not need to be as tight at this weight as in F1. My training program has also changed somewhat compared to Formula 1. There is a lot of training specific to F1, especially for the neck to cope with the high Gs. The prototypes are a little slower, which causes less strain on the body. Of course, some things from F1 are transferable to the prototype, such as heat in very hot places. I know there are a lot of things I learned in F1 that will help me. »

Physical aspect therefore, but also and above all mental. “I think it will be more mentally demanding than physically. Concentration will be essential, especially overtaking latecomers. Physically, I think it will probably be less demanding than what I'm used to, but mentally, it will be just as hard because you will have to manage this traffic over a fairly long period. »

Porsche is making its return this year in Endurance with the 919 Hybrid, of which you can find a behind-the-scenes video of a test here. The first round of the 2014 FIA WEC will take place on April 20 for the 6 Hours of Silverstone, England.