Mark Webber to retire from racing at the end of 2016
Former Red Bull driver has competed in endurance racing since 2014
Thursday 13 October 2016 15:23, UK
Mark Webber has announced he will retire from professional motor racing at the end of 2016.
The 40-year-old Australian quit F1 three years ago but has continued racing in the World Endurance Championship, where he won the title in 2015.
After three seasons in the sportscar category with Porsche, Webber will become a 'special representative' of the German carmaker after competing for the final time in the season-ending Six Hours of Bahrain on November 19.
"I have arrived where I belong," said Webber. "Porsche is the brand I always loved most and the one that suits me the best.
"I will miss the sheer speed, downforce and competition, but I want to leave on a high and I'm very much looking forward to my new tasks."
Sky F1's Martin Brundle tweeted: "Great bloke, great driver. Around the outside of Alonso at Eau Rouge etched in my mind. Fireproof slippers at the ready, catch you soon."
Webber spent 12 seasons in F1 and won nine grands prix, coming closest to becoming world champion in 2010 when he lost out to Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel at the final round.
"It was a big change from Formula 1 to LMP1 and an entirely new experience," he added. "But it came at the right time for me.
"I found I liked sharing a car and the chemistry between [Porsche team-mates] Timo [Bernhard], Brendon [Hartley] and me is special and something I'll always remember.
"It will be strange getting into the race car for the very last time in Bahrain but for now I will thoroughly enjoy every moment of the remaining races."
