Mark Webber will hang up his helmet at the end of 2016

Après avoir défendu les couleurs de Porsche pendant trois saisons, Mark Webber prendra sa retraite comme pilote professionnel à la fin de la saison 2016. Le champion du monde en titre du WEC joined the German manufacturer in 2013 after ending his career in F1 where he worked at Minardi, Jaguar, Williams et Red Bull Racing. The teammate of Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard won seven races with the Stuttgart firm.

“I have reached the end of the road, explained the 40-year-old Australian. Porsche has always been a brand that I have loved and it is the one that suits me best. I will miss the speed, the support and the competition, but I want to leave while I am at a good level and I can't wait to take care of my new role. »

“The move from F1 to LMP1 was a big change and a new experience, added the driver of the 919 Hybrid n°1. But it came at the right time. I knew I liked sharing the wheel. I will also never forget the chemistry between Timo, Brendon and me. It will be strange to compete in my last race in Bahrain (November 19), but for the moment I will enjoy the remaining rounds. »

Porsche staff will always benefit from the qualities of Mark Webber since he will remain a consultant for the German brand.

“Mark Webber fits everything Porsche stands for: sportiness, the power of endurance and a focus on success, commented Oliver Blume, President and Executive Director of Porsche AG. He has always been a great listener, I would like to thank him for his great performance in the WEC and I am delighted that he will remain strongly connected to Porsche afterwards. »

Fritz Enzinger, vice-president of the LMP1 department, was not surprised by the Australian's success in the WEC.

“From the important period of setting up the program, Mark brought his experience and he easily integrated into the team, underlined Fritz Enzinger. He is a beautiful fighter behind the wheel who is never afraid to go wheel to wheel. At the same time, he is strategic and thinks a lot about the team. This makes him an invaluable endurance driver. His title won with Timo and Brendon in 2015 was almost a logical consequence. We hope to take advantage of his experience to win other titles in 2016.

Mark Webber sits fourth in the Championship after winning the last three events. The Australian will return to action this weekend for the 6 Hours of Fuji, the penultimate round of the season where he won last year.