Mark’s US GP Preview

on November 15, 2013 2013 Season with 8 comments

Mark’s final two-week trip as a Formula One driver begins this weekend in Austin, Texas, where he’ll contest the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. This is the second time that the track has staged the race and Mark is hoping for a better result than at last year’s inaugural event, when he was forced to retire with an alternator problem.

“Last year’s race didn’t end well,” says Mark. “But I like the circuit; it has some very challenging sections and it’s very rewarding to drive when you get it right. You can really give the car its head through the first sector in particular because it’s fast and flowing – quite like Becketts at Silverstone. You have to be very precise because the corners are inter-linked and you need to position the car right.”

Despite failing to finish last year’s race, Mark has some good memories of racing in the USA. At Indianapolis in 2003 he led a grand prix for the first time and he’s finished in the points in subsequent years as well.

“There are some good memories and Indianapolis is undoubtedly an incredible venue,” says Mark. “But COTA is a better home for F1 in the United States because it’s a purpose-built facility that has some great corners and it’s both technically challenging and safe. There seems to be genuine support for the race in the town of Austin as well.”

Mark heads to Austin on the back of a podium finish last time out in Abu Dhabi, where he started from pole position, and he’s confident that the RB9 will be competitive again here.

“You never count your chickens in F1,” says Mark. “But this track looks like the sort of place that should play to the strengths of our car. I want to end my F1 career on a high, which means getting podiums. I feel like I’m driving well at the moment, so let’s see what Sunday brings.”

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8 Comments

  • NATALIA RINCON
    on November 15, 2013 Reply

    Let’s go Mark! , I will not let you go, I see the end is near and I feel sick…. kisses from barcelona.
    ” The girl with the t-shirt WEBBER FOREVER “

  • Peter Dale
    on November 15, 2013 Reply

    Here’s hoping for your podium and idealy the top step. Cant believe your F1 career nearly over but also cant wait for you to start at Porsche. Le Mans here we come!!!

  • Jerry
    on November 16, 2013 Reply

    Best wishes, Mark.
    Thanks for everything !!!

  • stu
    on November 16, 2013 Reply

    Go for it Mark. It is arriving too soon but have to face up to it. Look forward to the next challenge. Maybe you can stand in for the two old crocks with back trouble in the red cars next year – wouldn’t that be sweet!!

  • psycho budgie
    on November 16, 2013 Reply

    Best for qualli mate. 😀

  • Peter Mas
    on November 16, 2013 Reply

    We all know you can show up the rest so prove to the rest of them.

  • Carol
    on November 16, 2013 Reply

    Good luck Mark – you deserve a happy ending to your outstanding F1 career as you have given so much joy to all of us Aussie fans. I just hope there is some way that we Aussies will be able to keep following the next stage of your career at Porsche – hopefully they will begin to televise it here! All the best and looking forward to seeing you on the podium!

  • Paul vee
    on November 17, 2013 Reply

    Hey mark you have been amazing to watch all season and I will miss watching you drive f1 as you are always chasing so hard. Never giving up. A great mentor . Good luck with sports cars next year.

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