Formula One ace Mark Webber to get a taste of V8 Supercars at Tasmanian Ferodo Triple Challenge
Press Release
Australian Formula One ace Mark Webber is coming down under for a look at the world’s toughest touring car category, the V8 Supercar Championship Series, at the Tasmanian Ferodo Triple Challenge on Sunday week.
Webber is making a flying visit to Australia and will spend Sunday week (November 13) at the Symmons Plains racetrack along with a host of other celebrities including former Test and one-day international kind Michael Bevan, who will experience V8 Supercars first hand on Friday.
For the Formula One ace it will also be a chance to catch up with many of his former racing colleagues that include former Jaguar Formula One test driver and open wheel champion James Courtney who has just signed to drive V8 Supercars with Stone Brothers Racing, replacing hometown hero Marcos Ambrose.
The BMW Williams driver is a fan of V8 Supercars when he gets the chance to watch on television in Europe.
“What’s absolutely clear whenever you watch V8 Supercars is just how competitive it is,” Webber says.
“Of course, the Ford versus Holden rivalry is part of Australian motoring and sport folklore and this has played an important role in helping to shape and ensure the continuing success of the category.
“I haven’t been to Symmon’s Plains for 10 years - the last time was when I raced Formula Fords there in ’95 but of course I’ve been to Tasmania much more recently - in 2003 when we organized the Mark Webber Challenge.
“I can’t remember much about Symmons but I’m sure it’ll all come flooding back when I get there! Tasmania is one of the most untapped places in the world - that’s what makes it so special. I’m absolutely fascinated by its remoteness and rugged coastlines and generally how quiet and spacious it is. I really enjoy going there.
“The Australian V8 Supercars have certainly proved popular overseas in recent years, especially in countries that don’t have a deep-seated motorsport heritage and tradition (such as China and Bahrain).
“There, I’m sure the fans find it much easier to identity with the kind of the cars they may see on the road and own themselves, rather than purpose-built open-wheelers.
“My schedule makes it very difficult to follow what’s going on in any other category but I am looking forward to having a relaxing week watching everyone else do the work on-track! I’m sure the racing will be very, very tight with more than its fair share of spills and thrills.”
Webber will hold a press conference on Sunday morning at the event, join Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon for a pit walk, be a guest in the Government facility and commentate the second of three V8 Supercar races for the weekend in the Network Ten commentary box with Neil Crompton and Leigh Diffey.
Bevan will be at the track on Friday to be hosted by Dick Johnson’s Westpoint Racing sharing a ‘hot lap’ with Glenn Seton.