Porsche sidesteps Mark Webber Le Mans speculation
Porsche has declined to dismiss reports linking Red Bull’s Mark Webber with a 2014 Le Mans prototype drive, as the Australian’s Formula One future remains in question.
Porsche has refused to rule out the possibility of Mark Webber joining its factory Le Mans prototype team for 2014, as speculation mounts over the Red Bull driver’s future in Formula One. The company’s public stance comes amid reports in the German press that contact has already been made between the two parties.
The timing of the rumours is notable. Webber’s relationship with Red Bull has come under fresh scrutiny following the controversial ‘Multi-21’ team orders incident at the Malaysian Grand Prix, which saw team-mate Sebastian Vettel ignore instructions and pass the Australian for the win. Webber’s position alongside Vettel has appeared increasingly fragile since the episode, fuelling talk that 2013 could be his final year in Formula One.
German tabloid Bild reported that the 36-year-old Australian and Porsche have “already been in contact” regarding a potential deal for next season. The manufacturer, which is preparing a high-profile return to the top category at Le Mans, was asked directly about the speculation. A Porsche spokesman told Germany’s SID news agency that the company already has a squad of internationally successful works drivers, but did not rule out adding further names for 2014.
Porsche’s Le Mans return and driver line-up
Porsche’s LMP1 programme marks its first factory effort at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the late 1990s. The company has confirmed it will field a new prototype in 2014, targeting overall victory against rivals Audi and Toyota. While Porsche has already signed several experienced endurance racers, the final line-up for its Le Mans attack has not been announced.
Webber, who previously raced sports cars for Mercedes in the late 1990s before moving to Formula One, has long been considered a strong candidate for a top-level endurance seat if he leaves F1. His experience and profile would make him a high-profile addition to Porsche’s campaign, should the move materialise.
No firm denials, no confirmation
Asked about the Webber rumours, Porsche’s spokesman emphasised the strength of its current driver roster but stopped short of any outright denial. The company said the final decision on additional drivers would be made at a later date, leaving the door open to speculation.
For now, Webber remains a Red Bull Racing driver, but with his contract expiring at the end of 2013 and relations within the team under strain, the prospect of a high-profile switch to Porsche’s Le Mans squad remains a live topic in the paddock.
- Porsche’s last overall Le Mans win was in 1998.
- Webber previously competed at Le Mans in 1998 and 1999 with Mercedes.
- Red Bull has not commented on the speculation about Webber’s future.
