More of the same…fires and tyres!
It was another case of ‘so near yet so far’ for Mark in the Korean Grand Prix. After his last lap retirement in Singapore a couple of weeks ago, he was looking good for a podium finish at the Korean International Circuit on Sunday when his race came to a premature halt.
“In the end I was taken out by [Adrian] Sutil,” says Mark. “I was turning into Turn 3 when he t-boned me and the impact cut an oil line, which caused a loss of oil pressure in the engine. That’s why I stopped the car and the subsequent oil fire caused a lot of damage. I tried to get the marshals over as soon as possible, but it was burning for a long time. I hope it hasn’t damaged the chassis, but we’ll only know that when we get to have a proper look at the car.”
Up until that race-ending moment on lap 37, Mark’s pace was very good. He’d entered the Korean Grand Prix with a 10-place grid penalty and he set up his car for the race accordingly. Specifically, he gave his RB9 a long top gear to ensure he would be able to overtake and that proved very effective.
“The car felt good all weekend,” says Mark. “My pace was compromised in qualifying, but I had a good race car. I was careful during the early laps because I wanted to stay out of trouble and look after the tyres. I then made a few passes and was pleased with the way I was driving.”
Mark had climbed up to second when he made his first pitstop on lap 12, from which he rejoined the race behind Kimi Raikkonen. He stayed behind the Lotus driver until Kimi pitted and he then set about Fernando Alonso, who he overtook on lap 25.
“The pace of the car was good and I thought I could pick up a podium at this stage of the race,” says Mark. “I always enjoy dicing with Fernando, but it was difficult to do too much proper racing due to the tyres. You really needed to be careful, particularly with the front right.
“It all started to go wrong when [Sergio] Perez had his tyre failure. I’d just pitted for the second time and I couldn’t avoid the debris because I was right behind him. I got a puncture and had to pit again the following lap, which sent me back down the order.”
Such was Mark’s pace that he was still in a good position to pick up a lot of points – until, that is, he came to turn into Turn 3 on lap 37 and he was rammed by Sutil.
“I don’t know what happened with Sutil,” says Mark. “He came to see me after the race to apologise, saying he made a mistake, and you have to accept that. But the most disappointing aspect of this race was another Pirelli tyre failure. I was very lucky not to hit the tread of the tyre that came away from Perez’s car, but I didn’t have time to steer around the debris.”
Mark has little time to dwell on what happened in Korea because it’s the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend. Suzuka is one of his favourite tracks and he wants to get a good result on his final visit in an F1 car.
“Suzuka is a spectacular circuit,” he says. “It’s a real grand prix track because it’s old school, with some great corners and a lot of very enthusiastic fans. I think the RB9 will feel pretty spectacular around there and I’ll be looking to see the chequered flag and hopefully get back onto the podium.”
ends
18 Comments
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Trevor
on October 7, 2013I dont no how one person can have so much bad luck in one year! Im still cheering for ya out there, but I must say I cant wait to see you in a porsche and out of the red bull. If I had my way I still would love to see you in an F1 car just not a red bull..
But any way im just disappointed for ya. Hope you luck turns around!! -
Susan fm Oz
on October 7, 2013Such a shame Mark you drove so well until Perez tyre issue and then Sutil ramming you. Thank goodness you are getting out of these incident unharmed. Look forward to Japan and really hoping you finish off F1 with at least 1 win this season – having been robbed of a couple! Cheers:)
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Hallie Wong
on October 7, 2013Hi Mark, hope you’ve got through the tough time of the tough Korean GP. Looking at the bright side, all your fans were lucky to see u have got out of the firing car safely. Bitter Makes Better! The last races will be your big break. So pls feel better and embrace the joy and good luck(^_^)
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Mark
on October 7, 2013Hey Mark, so sorry to see you get taken out again, through no fault of your own, again!!! It was great watching you slice through the field and actually leading the race in the early stages. Very well done mate, i was sure you would of ended up on the podium yesterday. Would have been great to see, but as we all know it wasn’t to be. I don’t understand why Sutil was not penalised for causing a collision as he was able to continue on after the contact with your car? Instead he gets a drive through for speeding in the pilane, these stewards are so inconsistent and never seem to get things right when you are on the receiving end of things! I truly hope you get a super result in Japan, I will be up at 5 am in Europe to watch you succeed this time. Cheers mate, Mark
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Anne Lambert
on October 7, 2013The car always seems just fine in practice and quali and then before the race something happens to it like its a different car on the day. i’d sleep in it saturday nights if i were you just so you can be sure no ones been near it cos somethings not right mate when it keeps happening only to you. x
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Wendy
on October 7, 2013It was all looking so good Well done Mark You drove a terrific race Couldn’t believe how unlucky you were with the Perez incident and then for Sutil to tag you as well! Tyres and fires indeed. Surely things can only get better for the final few races
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Ray - Sydney NSW
on October 7, 2013Strong racing Mark – but for the bad luck meeting you again mid race – its clear you were hunting the leaders to the finish. One thing that wasn’t covered in post race comments was the reason your crew changed you into ‘soft’ tyres after the 2nd stop puncture…. Any way looking fwd to watching you in action at Suzuka next weekend..cheers
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Jill and Brian
on October 8, 2013You were having a great race mark until the bad luck struck again, surely something has got to change – it’s got to you need to be on that podium and we want to hear “Advance Australia Fair”, the tears will start in our house I can assure you of that. Better luck in Japan, we’ll be supporting you. All the best Mark.
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Patty
on October 8, 2013I don’t think that it is just bad luck. Sorry to say, I can’t believe that the Red Bull team had only soft tires to put on your car, Mark. It is their fault that you are not winning races. You driving is not the problem. I am very proud to be a Mark Webber fan. You give your all and you are an excellent driver. Glad your are going to Porsche team next year where you will be treated like the great driver that you are. Best of luck next week for Japan race.
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John
on October 8, 2013Weeeell I have to agree with all the comments above mine.How much bad management previously and now bad luck can a man have!!!!
Unbelievable ….
If only you’d stayed with GP for a bit longer only NOT with Red Bull.
All the bestJohn
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bruce
on October 9, 2013Bad luck, Mark I hope you can have a good race in Japan.
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Rana
on October 9, 2013Bad luck! It can be explained only with bad luck. Serial of bad luck. Started with 10 positions penalty, than Perez, finally Sutil. I’m very sorry. Your effort and perfect drive shouldn’t be prized like that. I hope, now on, it will be turn of good luck. Best wishes for next races.
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Sabine Strack
on October 9, 2013Go Mark , Go! All the best for Suzuka!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
Greetings from Germany! -
Tommo
on October 9, 2013Hey Mark,
Gee its amazing what a snowball effect hitching a ride with Alonso can bring. Had you be starting further up the order i thnk we would be talking about a podium today. Its not the case unfortunately. Even you would concede, “thats racing” right? But even then i dont think you guys are racing as hard as you like to. Kindo of cheats not only the viewer seeing drivers tippy toe on ice cream tyres but also restrains the drivers true limits of racing on the edge. All the best for Japan mate.
Tommo. -
Trav
on October 9, 2013Mark
did RBR get to the bottom of why you had two wheels fall off earlier in the year,one on track and one in peit lane??? I mean, how come this shit doesnt happen to the Sebanator??
Wish you would change your mind and race for an f1 team for two more years. -
diana
on October 9, 2013hi mark, BAD LUCK???? i don’t thing so = for sure some conspiracy is going on= they just dont want you to win= you are a great driver and when you took your position from 13 to first my heart stopped and i was clapping at 11.30 at night = win or lose you are my hero + the best driver ever= love you ,,best of luck for japan
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diana
on October 9, 2013hi mark, BAD LUCK???? i don’t think so = for sure some conspiracy is going on= they just dont want you to win= you are a great driver and when you took your position from 13 to first my heart stopped and i was clapping at 11.30 at night = win or lose you are my hero + the best driver ever= love you ,,best of luck for japan
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Paul
on October 9, 2013G’day mate, driving well Mark, shame to not get a result from your efforts. Just keep plugging ah… Love that pass on Alonso… Noticed he didn’t offer a lift this time…all the best for the Japanese GP….
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