Mark’s Bahrain Preview – My Last Race
This is going to be a big weekend for me personally. My last time competing in anger will certainly bring some strong emotions with it. Being behind the wheel has been so much of my life – I’ve driven a racing car every two-four weeks for the last 22-odd years – so chapter two will require a shift for sure.
Brendon, Timo and I have one goal this weekend and that’s to try and add to our victory tally for this year. It’s very nice that the team, including Brendon and Timo, are striving for that extra 1% to send me off in the best possible fashion, but likewise, I’ll be doing the same for them.
The form card suggests it will be a battle between ourselves and Toyota. We’re going to have to really be on top of our game to beat them again. Bahrain is a night race so track temperature will play a big role in the performance of the cars. Also, since Le Mans, we’ve been trying to help the sister car secure the drivers’ world championship, so this is a topic for car #1 to keep an eye on in the race. The best support we can give them is to win and take the points away from Toyota.
It will be strange to step out of the car for the last time when the race is over, however I’m extremely proud to be going out driving very well. I feel that I’ve been contributing to the success of the Porsche programme, but my priorities lie outside the car now. With age, I see more and more risk and I’ve been very fortunate to walk away from some close shaves; for that I’m grateful.
I’ve been privileged to work with the best personnel and teams in the world and all any driver can ask for is to have that opportunity. I’m looking forward to lending an ear to the fresh talent coming through. It’s nice to see how many young drivers are just beginning their journey, particularly in the Porsche programme.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all my supporters and fans that have been on this incredible journey with me. The chemistry between drivers and supporters has never been tighter through the medium of social media. You get a chance to see what you’ve meant to people which is humbling. The fan base has truly blown me away in all the different countries I’ve driven in; the loyalty they’ve shown me is something I’ll never forget. Thank you.
23 Comments
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mark jones
on November 15, 2016Thank you mark for such great memories I have enjoyed so many great adventures following your career , go out there and rip it up on saturday and hopefully see you on the top step I will support you through your new chapter and look forward to it thanks again mark you truly are a legend
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paula and brian nottle
on November 15, 2016good luck for the weekend and its been a privilege to see you race x good luck in all you do (you was always my favourite, Paula xx)
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James Gregory
on November 15, 2016All the best if your future endeavours. Just reading “Aussie Grit” – an honest & motivational read.
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Chris Owen
on November 15, 2016Getting out whilst at the top of your game is for the best. Good luck for the race and your future and thanks a lot for the years of entertainment you’ve given to us armchair addicts!
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Faiyaz Ahmed
on November 15, 2016You’ll be missed! You were one of my favorites to watch behind the wheel! You, JB, Massa; it’s becoming a bit too much! But, good luck on your future endeavors. I’ll be rooting for you whatever you do!
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Fizzelen
on November 15, 2016Congratulations an a great career, however you can’t retire until you have done a Bathurst, it would be un-Australian.
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Adeel
on November 15, 2016Thank You Mark Webber for your service in formula 1 and in Porsche. I wish I had a chance to meet you but anyhow sir may god bless you outside of racing car , amen!!
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Paul
on November 15, 2016Well done Mark, have a safe and enjoyable last race. I have had many sleepless nights in Oz following your career and cheering you on.
All the best for your future endeavours.
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Sundeep Bhatia
on November 15, 2016Thank you for all the pleasure you have given me with your driving over the years.
You are one of the greats !
I also greatly envy your selection of Porsche road cars!
A man of immaculate taste! -
Grant
on November 15, 2016Mark, I know I will not be the first one to say this, but as an Aussie there surely must be one more race to tick off your career list – and that must be Bathurst!
Come back to Aus so all your fans can acknowledge you in our greatest race at one of the most fantastic tracks in the world!
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Daniel
on November 16, 2016It’s been a passion of mine, to watch your racing. I cried at times and lost my voice when you won f1 for the first time. I will miss it mate. Good luck in the next phase of your journey.
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Steve sillett
on November 16, 2016Thank you !!!!
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Jon Brooks
on November 16, 2016Enjoy your well deserved retirement. It’s been an absolute privilege to watch you over the years. I’ve never had the honour of meeting you but know many who have and I know you’ll be greatly missed in the paddock.
I hope you still appear on our TV’s. Have thoroughly enjoyed your input and banter with DC on the UK’s Channel 4 F1 coverage. Maybe you should take over as anchor rather than that Jones bloke!!Good luck in the future
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Glenn
on November 16, 2016Thanks Mark. You restored my interest in F1 and gave me hope for another Aussie world champion, not to be, but not for lack of integrity effort and Aussie grit. Loved every race, especially your Monaco win. And now the great success with Porsche. Look forward to following the next chapter of your career.
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Linda Kodytek
on November 16, 2016Dear Mark,
when I started watching F1 with my father, he was the typical German Schumi-Supporter and it was likely that I was following in his footsteps. And then I saw you and your fascinating green Jaguar – this was the moment my nine-year-old-me decided that you were the one and only driver that I could ever admire.
This feeling lastet until today and I have to say I am quite sad to see you end your active career. Not that you would not deserve it but it seems like I have got a small hole in my heart that tells me that there will be something that I’ll miss…My 23-year-old me wants to say thank you for making my childhood this wonderful and exciting and being my great role model! It was a pleasure to watch your steps and I hope that you can finally relax on weekends instead of risking your health 🙂
Lots of love, Linda
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Stuart
on November 16, 2016Mark, enjoyed the ride with you over the years. Some times a little too hard on the emotions but always exciting. You came through it being yourself and not a ‘media image’ for which I am sure all your fans appreciate and respect. Good luck mate!
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Anne
on November 17, 2016Congratulations Mark I am not your “regular” Motorsport fan being a nearly 60 year old female, but I am so proud to have you representing our country and being a great role model for my children. If we can all live our lives with your integrity, passion and honesty then we have done a good job. Will look forward to your next chapter.
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jammy
on November 17, 2016good luck mark, whats next in your life then? i would love to see you and D.C on top gear you are a class double act and we all know you both love cars. every time i’ve seen you two together on channel 4 this year ive been in stitches with your shenanigans long may they last…..
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Anthony Shrubsall
on November 17, 2016Thank you Mark for making F1 exciting again. Your book is great .
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Carol Tutchener
on November 17, 2016We have followed you through F1 and WEC and we are so proud of you Mark, not only for your well deserved success, but also because you are a true gentleman and sportsman of integrity and courage. You will be missed. What a champion! Thank you for the memories and all the best for your final race and for next stage of your career.
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Brian Lawrence
on November 17, 2016All the very best Mark, thank you for all the wonderful memories. Loved your book also, awesome.. Enjoy the weekend and stay safe. On behalf of al your Kiwi fans thank you so much.. Cheers , Brian Lawrence..
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Patty Marfyak
on November 19, 2016I will miss not seeing you race. You are my favorite driver and the main reason I enjoyed F1 and WEC. Good luck tomorrow in your final race. Glad to have met you in Austin, TX your first race in WEC. Boy, did it rain that year. We drove from CA to Austin. It was an adventure. Thank you so much for all the excitement and enjoyment you provided all these year. You have accomplished a lot during those years. Best wishes!
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