When two becomes three!
Despite a brilliant pole position on Saturday afternoon, Mark wasn’t quite able to take his first Formula One victory at Suzuka. He and fellow front-row starter Sebastian Vettel were beaten away from the grid by Romain Grosjean and Mark’s chances were further hampered by a change of strategy midway through the race.
“My race was made more complicated by Grosjean getting the jump on us at the start,” says Mark. “He left the grid like a dragster, whereas we bogged down, and there wasn’t much Seb or I could do about it. I then found myself having to try and beat both guys – Grosjean and Sebastian.”
Tyre conservation proved critical once again for all of the drivers and Mark made his first pitstop on lap 11, at which he swapped from the medium compound rubber that he’d used in qualifying to a fresh set of hard tyres. He rejoined the race in sixth place, but fought his way back onto Grosjean’s gearbox very quickly.
“Even after my first pitstop I thought I was on two-stop strategy,” says Mark. “That was the plan before the race and the team then called me up to say I should switch to a three-stopper. That would give me fresher tyres at the end of the race, but it would also mean I would have to overtake and that’s never easy at Suzuka because it’s so narrow. But the team told me to ‘go for it’, and that’s what I did.”
Mark fitted another set of hard compound tyres at his second stop, before opting for a used set of option tyres for his final stint. He started that final segment of the race in third place, 2.5s behind second-placed Grosjean. Mark rapidly closed the gap to the Lotus driver, but he took nine laps to pass him – by which time it was too late to do anything about race leader Vettel.
“In the end I needed 2.5 pitstops today,” says Mark. “Two stops weren’t quite enough and three stops were too many. I’m slightly kicking myself that I didn’t go longer during the second stint, but that’s history now. I had a good fight with Grosjean at the end and it was good to take second place from him. It was a good grand prix and a good result for the team.”
So ended Mark’s final Japanese Grand Prix, at a track that he rates as one of the finest circuits in the world.
“It was a bit frustrating to be managing tyre wear this afternoon,” says Mark. “Around a track like this you want to drive flat-out all of the time. But even when you’re conserving tyres, it’s still a great privilege to drive at Suzuka, and the fans are superb. They are very fair in their support of all the drivers.”
After back-to-back races in Korea and Japan, there’s now a two-week break in the calendar ahead of the Indian Grand Prix on 27 October. Aussie Grit will be doing his utmost to get onto the podium there too.
// ends
75 Comments
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Madeleine J
on October 14, 2013I prayed for you to win Mark, it would have been such a high for you, still time for you to win another race before you bow out of F1. I and many others will miss you and your racing. Thank you for all the enjoyment your racing has give over the years.
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Roberta
on October 14, 2013YOU ARE THE REAL WINNER OF THIS RACE MARK!!! Brilliant drive, the fastest driver for all the week end. Great job, You’re the number one!!! I hope you can get on the highest step of the podium before the end of the season, but today it was a very good race!!!! Well done mate!!! xxx
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Lorraine
on October 14, 20133 races to go, wipe that smile from the no1
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Mack Brabham
on October 14, 2013Mark,you did a terrific job. Both in qualifying and the race.It think had they let you run the second stint longer so that it was a two stop race you would have surely won. Even David Hobbs and Steve Matchett felt your team cost you the race by calling you in too early.
But it was a great result. I have said before how much I will miss you driving in F1. It just won’t be the same without you.
Wishing you the best with Porsche. -
stuart hearn
on October 14, 2013It was close
What stunned me was Vettel’s”keep him away from me” in the last laps
He wonders why we despise him
Anyways MW I have 750 Mill to sink into a new team, come drive for me
:)) -
Lesley
on October 14, 2013Fantastic drive Mark you done absolutly amazing as always. That 1st place should have been yours, but surprise surprise Golden Boy got it! You put up one hell of a race with Grosjean. I could hardly watch, I was even shouting at theT.V. All the best for next race and chin up! Lesley xxx
ith Grosjean i could hardly watch. I was even shouting at the -
normastather
on October 14, 2013weallprayedforyoumark,buttheyshaftyouagainforthegoldenboy,
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Tony Ashgrove
on October 14, 2013Hi Mark, good drive, pity the red bull team strategist wasn’t on the same team as you, pretty obvious to your fans that the team wanted Seb to win come what may, so you got a bum steer! they could have switched Seb to three stops!! Well just go for it in the remaining races, don’t move over for anyone, just show them what they’ve lost
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clinton
on October 14, 2013all rubbish, i was watching live timing, marks time were never slow enough for seb to beat him on the same strategy… red bull purposely put mark on a three stopper to get him out of the way…. assholes
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Dan
on October 14, 2013RedBull destroys Mark,s race. I was really sad because of this result. Mark were faster than finger boy, so he deserved to be the winner. Good luck for the next race. Best regards from Ecuador.
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pargo
on October 14, 2013You’re a class act on track, Mark. Very cool and composed with media, despite rough days at the office. Proud to be an Aussie.
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Matthew
on October 14, 2013I couldn’t believe it when Seb was calling to his team to keep you away from him, even he knew he could not beat you if you past Grojan earlier, that would seem the reason why they put you on a three stopper with the less gripped tyres in the end to protect Seb…..no wonder your leaving.
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Matthew
on October 14, 2013Next time just tell them your not comming in and stay outr longer for the two stops….
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Matthew
on October 14, 2013I’m only new to F1 recently so sad to see Mark go as i probably won’t watch it after that, however i am so stunned to see the bias towards Seb over Mark, Mark was clearly the better driver last night, even Seb was screamming to his team to keep Mark away from him if he passes Grojan, they seem to deliberately sabotage Marks race to help Seb whenever they get the chance, I think Mark needs to ignore the team over the next few races as they are certainly not on his side….
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Mags Condon
on October 14, 2013Another great drive today under difficult circumstances. We can only imagine what you could do with a full team supporting you. Am willing you a win before the end of the season, you deserve it.
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Hallie
on October 14, 2013Hi Mark,
Without doubt,RB prefer Vettle to win the race, as they usually do.
But shall we put aside the unfair stratedy and get a new perspective.
U had chances:
if u could have had a normal start, OR if u could have maintained 1second’s distance within Romain before your first stop to undercut,
OR if u could have overtaken Romain on track before your second pit because you were obvious far FASTER than him,
OR u could have passed Romain smoothly and quickly during the last stint to battle with Vettle then.
RB’s intention is to force u to express your super-human potential and super-human performace,
so smile at them and show to them. -
AaX
on October 14, 2013GET YOURSELF LATER, ‘YOUR’ F1 TEAM. OR BETTER STILL GET ADRIAN NEWEY OFF RED BULL INTO YOURS. I KNOW THAT YOUR DAYS IN F1 IS STILL YET OVER.
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brad
on October 14, 2013Too bad Mark, you had the speed all weekend, just not the right team behind you. What will Riciardo do when he finds himself in the same situation? He needs to be a fox, steal some wins and go drive for Ferrari in 2015.
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Rick 0
on October 14, 2013Great race Mark. As others have said, if you were kept on a 2 stop strategy you would have wiped the smile off Seb’s face real quick. That being said, great race and hope you have better luck for the next few races and bugger the team orders as well cause they mean nothing to Seb or the team anyway
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Adam
on October 14, 2013First if all I wanna say well done to you for coming 2nd mark lovely drive but secondly all you people saying all thing about Vettel is silly.. Vettel is one of the best drives out there on the race track who is always nearly coming first in ever qualifying race look at the legend of f1 Michael is one he won it 7 times world champ and it took him a while but the with Vettel he is young and still proving he still got more to give he won the world champ 3 times now back to back he is unstoppable and yes redbull favor him a little more because he got more pretension then webber Vettel got most constructor point the webber and thing I hate the most is people hating on him because 1 silly little race where team orders where called and Vettel had not listen it was in the past any true fans of redbull will forget about that and respec webber and Vettel as a team
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Erch
on October 14, 2013Hi Mark – great drive yesterday mate! it makes sense for the team to support Seb to win the race because he is the world Champion and the future face of RB. it has been a pleasure watching you race over the years. I dont know what goes on behind closed doors but I hope you didn’t lose motivation to stay in F1 over what Seb and the team have done this year!
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Philippe
on October 14, 2013It’s a shame to apply 3 stop strategy so babyface could win. Next race wat the gonna do, reprogramming your car from the pit or turn the ignition off.. Shame RB !!!
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Murray
on October 14, 2013Guess Seb’s radio call of “keep him away from me…” sums it all up. Good luck with your future.
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Barb Edwards
on October 14, 2013All I can say is that after a frustrating race you shone through against the odds…It is sad but it will take Red Bull longer than a lot thought to see what a champion they are losing..strategies that are unclear and changed to benefit one driver is so unfair and not motor racing..You will shine in a different environment..All the best for the remainder of the season Mark..
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M Lehmann
on October 14, 2013Yeah, that seemed to look very orchestrated by RBR. Bit of a shame as well as Mark clearly had the raw pace to win that race.
I hope you get the win you deserve before the end of the season.
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Barbara Haddock
on October 14, 2013So sorry about the way things panned out. Change of strategy mid stream is just not on. Good thing you are leaving and I am sure you will enjoy your new venture with having to fight your team to get anywhere.
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Susan fm Oz
on October 14, 2013Mark I know it must be frustrating and it’s cruel but you are the real winner once again in the fans eyes! You should not have been put on a 3 stop strategy just because “the boy” was concerned you would catch and beat him – sad but true. I can’t praise you enough Mark in particular your model character and fighting spirit:)
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Ryan
on October 14, 2013I can’t wait until all your ties with RBR are cut… That way you can write a book detailing why in the hell you’d be asked to run a three stopper when we all know you’d have no issue with doing the race on two…. But we all know the real reason why the order came through.
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Luke G
on October 14, 2013Great race Mark, Despite a poor strategy from RBR.
Doesn’t matter if you have one win or ten wins, Because what you have done for Australian motorsport will always be remembered. I Wish you the best of luck in the WEC. Hopefully you can get one over Seb at Interlagos to see out your great career in F1.
Cheers Big Fella -
Tim C
on October 14, 2013I loved the race except for the way redbullshit forced the three stop strategy onto you.They must hold some big strings on you mark as they love to lull them often.
I look forward to two things in the near future from the Australian public. The welcome to the poms cricket team especially broad bat snick to first slip at the MCG on boxing day and Vittle to Melbourne gp next year. -
Sisi
on October 14, 2013Great drive yesterday Mark!!! Despite the missing support of the team you came in just 7s behind Seb with one more stop. I know that this is just small comfort and no one deserved the victory more than you. Chin up and look forward as you always do. All the best for the remaining races.
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Sebastien
on October 14, 2013Good job Mark. Excellent drive. Seb from Bourg D’oisans
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Manel RG
on October 14, 2013Hi Mark.
It is really frustrating the suport that you are receiving from Red Bull, They are giving a real bad image. With the big gap of points that Seb have in the championship is not necessary made somethings….Is a waste team manage. Herman Marko is the key point in this affair….waste.
PD: During this seasson I 100% sure that your car is not the same that Seb, they have want get two things:
* one is remove fight for position between both.
* Second give an image that the cahmpionship is win by magnific driver not for excellecy of the car. One car that get 2 seconds by lap is two years a heads of rest of competitor and Red bull doesn´t want that FIA put roadblock. -
Manel RG
on October 14, 2013Redbull President must take actions in that, the image of Red Bull is damage with this way to manage a Team. Herman Marko is really a dissaster manage the people of Team.
Related to evolution of car RBR is two years at least in from of the rest teams, even the radio comunications that no body believe about problems, the competions lose atractive. -
Billy
on October 14, 2013Really good drive Mark,I just cannot believe how RBR made you stop 3 times?? this was obviously to let the Kraut win! Geez on the Team Radio when you were chasing Grosjean the Kraut was talking to his team saying “keep him away from me”,are they kidding,everyone knows that Horner ordered your 3 rd pitstop to help the Big Square Headed Kraut win by default,he was crap in qualifying and couldent beat you square mate,for RBR to pull a 3 stopper was just bad sportsmanship and disgusting to boot,I will be glad when you get out of there,I bloody hate the the bad German sportmanship,or lack of it,Schumacher was the same,a bloody cheating mongrel,like Vettel,two peas in a pod.Good race mate!
Billy -
NATALIA RINCON
on October 14, 2013you deserved the victory more than anyone, as always the team will have to take the second place, that’s it! everything has a limit, believe me I cried with rage,
kisses from barcelona -
Alistair McCausland
on October 14, 2013Not privi to RBR politics but seems to be crooked next time Mark for all your long suffering fans mate do a Seb ignore advice and WIN !!!
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Matt
on October 14, 2013Thanks for being such an inspiration in the way you handle yourself, i look to you everyday in how i should conduct myself.
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Agnieszka
on October 14, 2013Mark,
A fantastic race again, you were amazing! RedBull are very lucky to have you there, first of all you are too great a gentleman to show them their place… What they have been doing for some time is a shame on them, doing all those things so openly… But people with brains know that you are the real champion! You made my day on Saturday getting the pole position and the start yesterday was great 🙂 Keep on good work, good things come to good people 🙂 All the best from Poland 🙂 -
Ann
on October 14, 2013Advantage Vettel (again) thought this was f1 not tennis! You had a brilliant drive against the odds…as per usual.
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rodney
on October 14, 2013congratulations mark and no one can deny,as always you never stop trying and give it your best.thanks for being a true aussie and all he best for your future,youre a gentleman and a great diplomat for the sport and Australia
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CaveGirl MBA
on October 14, 2013You are such a pleasure to watch on the track and on the podium. Dedicated my blog post to you today – we will miss you!!!
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Jill and Brian
on October 14, 2013Well done Mark you were the real winner of this race, RB know it that’s why they won’t let you near him because if they did they know the little creep would shit himself and make a mistake and they wouldn’t want that would they. Soldier on Mark, four more to go, we’re all behind you for a win and definitely more podiums. All the best Mark, remember Porsche is just around the corner for you and all of us.
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Petra
on October 14, 2013Ahoj Marku,sleduji tě již několik let a pro mě jsi ty ten nejlepší závodník!I když máš velkou “smůlu”,tak stále bojuješ – kdo jiný se dokáže probojovat z posledního místa na bodované?Jsi skvělý člověk, a nejen pro mě,vždy vítěz!Hodně štěstí.
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Ben
on October 14, 2013Hey Mark,
Great drive, wishing you the best for the next race.
Ben from South Australia
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trav
on October 14, 2013Rbr is fisted. Horner is gagging on Seb always.
Top effort at Suzuka Mark…shoulda been a two stopper…as you know!! -
Paul Mulcahy
on October 14, 2013Amazing job Webdog. What a disgraceful team RBR is and being a West Aussie disappointed that Daniel is joining this group . Such a shame that owner of Red Bull allows Marko and his mates to make a mockery of his team. Mark is a sporting hero to Aussies despite his team
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Nora
on October 14, 2013Well, we all know Mark has been f***** by the team last 2 years. With Horner it’s all about nasty Vettel and NO one else. Best move Mark decided to do is to leave that team and F1 all together. Don’t understand management of Red Bull accepts the behaviour of “mister” Horner. Thanx for staying the gentleman you have Always been Mark. Goodluck with Porsche.
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joao
on October 14, 2013Hey Mark,couldn´t you finish the race with the second pit stop tires? It was only 10 laps to the end and if I were you I will risk it and ignore team orders, perhaps you have won the race.
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Ulla, Sweden
on October 15, 2013Congratulations to a great performance yesterday, Mark. You have taken the right decision to leave RBR, everything they do, they do to support Vettel. I will always consider you as the moral 2010 champion. I have not ever seen a team behave this badly to one of the drivers, although I have seen team orders and raged at them. In 2010, as long as you were in the lead RBR said they had no such thing as a no 1 and no 2 driver, you had to race for the points, but any other team would have supported the one in the lead..
Anyway, all the best for the rest of the season and good luck with Porsche. -
George
on October 15, 2013As always, Mark winds up having to be the consummate professional while Seb walks away with the win. Maybe if Seb winds up the Championship early, they’ll put Mark first for once (wishful thinking I know). Mark, you are a class act all the way. . .
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Brian F
on October 15, 2013For several months I’ve believed that SV is probably the secret love-child of Horner and Marko, with Ecclestone as gradfather/godfather. this was borne out in Japan ! Horner is turning out to be a very unsporting unenglish englishman ! In my world 2+2 always equals 4, however others may to deny it. Great quali, great race, the strat. change apart. For the next few, drive hard and race, for yourself! Just go do it !
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Sue
on October 15, 2013Having got up at 5am to watch you qualifiy on pole on Saturday, I feel disappointed that Red Bull could not find it in them to support you ahead of Vettel for a change. However, you drove a brilliant race Mark especially that ballsy overtake on Grosean down the inside. You definitely have made the right decision to leave F1, look forward to supporting you in WEC next season
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bruce
on October 15, 2013Good race mark, no surprise with the juggled pit stops.
RB are doing themselves no favours in the publics eye with their slavish grovelling to Vettel.
One understands RB wanting the constructors title at any cost, but having a multi-champion puts no more money in RBs bank, just vettels.
But the Germans will stick together, nothing can be done about that and Horner follows orders or more likely the mony. -
Patty
on October 15, 2013Great race, Mark. Very proud of you. We all know that you would have won the race if RBR had given you 2 stops instead of 3. Actually you are the winner in all areas that count in my eyes. The favoritism for golden boy is so obvious! You had me on the edge of my seat and cheering you on. Was something wrong with you DSR? You were so close to over taking Grosjean so many times before you did pass him. Anyway, thanks for a great qualifying and race in Japan. Good luck next race.
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Sax
on October 15, 2013Once again your race was sabotaged by RBR and the gang.
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Wendy
on October 15, 2013You looked so happy on Saturday! Well done on getting pole. Shame Grosjean got the jump on you. The race could have been so much easier for you. 3 stop stategy looked a bit suss to the spectator – favouring Seb?? Good result tho Best you could have done in the circumstances Keep believing Mark the season isn’t over yet
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Mark
on October 15, 2013Good job Mark! You will have a win before the end.
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Zgeveneva
on October 15, 2013Every single Grand Prix something happens to Mark unfortunately. This Suzuka weekend was the strategy. Nevermind Mark you are still the best for me. Here in Portugal(is small and poor I know) we are cheering for you every sunday. Take care Aussie mate 😉
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JOHN STRINGER
on October 15, 2013well done Mark great drive going to miss you when you retire maybe come home and race in the v8s if so please drive either a holden or a ford im to old to support the other rubbish cheers john
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BOOMBAMBOSS
on October 15, 2013it was obvious to all the viewers that MW was sabotaged by his own team. its understandable but shitty
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kon
on October 15, 2013Great race you will be remembered long after sv is forgotten just like nobody speaks well of shuey look at the crowd response to sv winning compared to you on comparison, you are the real champ
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clinton
on October 15, 2013Re: Adam
no one said vettel wasn’t a great driver but they dislike him because he is a spoilt brat with no virtue, who wouldn’t have as many credits without the crafty work of RBR, at the cost of mark webber…. red bull denying mark a swansong victory at suzuka just proves they will sink to any low in order to ensure the little brat gets his records, victories, royalties etc…. if you can’t recognise that, you need to perhaps watch a few more races! -
Tony Kiang
on October 15, 2013Mark, you are a brilliant drive driving in a team without support but sabotage. I hope to see you in a Lotus and show them some true colors.
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Matt.
on October 15, 2013Red Bull are a disgrace. I was at Suzuka with a bunch of Journalists and it was generally accepted that with Marks talent the sooner he moves on the better. The 3/2 stop strategy was pretty indicative of how things are run. Bring on Le Mans!
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John
on October 15, 2013Sabotaged once again. What a surprise.
NOT. please T bone SV in every race now.
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psycho budgie
on October 16, 2013…when vettels engineer said on the radio they were not racing Webber I knew RB had stacked the deck. Still great watching you race mate, in very difficult circumstances.
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Adam of Queensland
on October 16, 2013Great job, well done. It’s clear to see why you are leaving, regardless of how good Vettel is. If only we could get WEC on Free to Air TV in this country….
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Bluefire Racing
on October 16, 2013Taking pole at Suzuka with a heavier, largely untested car was a great effort. Surprising start by GRO and good for him. 3.2 vs 2.5s pit stop would have put you ahead of GRO and kept you on two stop. Team properly reading e.t. diffs would have kept you on a two stop.
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Macros
on October 16, 2013Well done Mark, I hope you’re enjoying the last few races of your inspiration career in F1. You got there, you challenged, you won! And all in the spirit of good sportsmanship. Many helped you, more have tried to cut you down. I’m just impressed you’ve done so well and got so far. Thanks for the memories, I hope the best ones are yet to come.
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Kevin , Glasgow
on October 17, 2013You have been very dignified and a great ambassador of F1considering the the way you have been treated recently. None of this is lost on the fans and looking forward to Porsche cup action. Never let the b****** grind you down. KM
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Adam F
on October 17, 2013I am a new fan of F1 this year. I must say I am disppointed that you are leaving F1. You are my favorite driver. I wish you could find another team and continue. If I could get WEC I would watch just for you. I will miss you. You are a champ to me. Please, please stay?
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Simon
on October 17, 2013Mark you may be unlucky on the track at times but you will always be a favorite to the many and history will remember you as one of the true gentlemen of the sport. I am proud you are Australian
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George
on October 21, 2013Well done Mark, bad luck with GRO but a very enjoyable part of the race was listening to Vettle stressing on the Radio saying roughly “Keep Mark away from me”. You had Vettle scared. The team did keep you away unfortunately and you should have heard commentary about Vettle under pressure for once at the beginning of the race . F1 will miss ya mate.
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Galen K
on October 22, 2013A pity RBR’s last minute 3-stop strategy worked better for VET than you Mark. The way you handle, what seems like, intentional disparity between the two RBR drivers is a credit to you and you’ll be missed in 2014! Have a good race weekend in India and all the best.
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