Mark Webber move to Porsche Le Mans in 2014?

[jamsbong]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/motor ... 6620441226

Looks like his motivation finally run out. Does that mean he won't contest the WDC this year?

[bhall]

Bit misleading with the heading.

There was no way he'd go back to Red Bull, and, frankly, F1 leaves a lot to be desired in general these days. So, I guess I'm not surprised here.

[jamsbong]

Yes yes... He is going to quit at the end of this year when his RB contract finished. He will be driving for Porsche Le Mans in 2014.
I feel his career in F1 is similar to Montoya's. Montoya is a fast enough driver to be a WDC, but it never materialized.

Good Luck mate.

[Hail22]

He has made the best decision especially considering the changes in LMP1 Anthony Davidson even mentioned that Le mans is more "friendly" environment to be in.

and 5 years is fantastic considering his age...he has a very competitive drive.

[Maelstrom]

Good for him. No point staying at Red Bull and no point shifting to a smaller team either. This is a good decision from him.

Now... who will replace him at Red Bull?

[Cam]

Bit misleading with the heading.

There was no way he'd go back to Red Bull, and, frankly, F1 leaves a lot to be desired in general these days. So, I guess I'm not surprised here.

Agreed with the heading. Quitting and not renewing a contract are 2 very different things.

If it's true. What a blow for RedBull. Just about to launch a new car and they loose a critical component to set that thing up. Sure, another experienced driver like Kimi or one of the TR boys will help, but they simply won't have the depths to draw on that only previous hands on with the team brings. Vettel has only ever really driven one type of F1 car - a RedBull. Mark has a wealth of experience with different teams, styles, techniques, chassis, suspension, engines, the list goes on. 3 x WDC can't buy that knowledge - you only get it from doing the time in other teams. Vettel could be all at sea in the new formula with no depth to search from.

RedBull were better off trying to keep Mark for one more year, get a great baseline on the new car and let him leave on good terms with a fanfare.

If Mark's not switching F1 teams, I wonder if they'll allow him to continue developing the 2014 car? Would that even be a good idea?

[Hail22]

Good for him. No point staying at Red Bull and no point shifting to a smaller team either. This is a good decision from him.

Now... who will replace him at Red Bull?

Helmut Marko has approached Daniel Ricciardo before and after the race, I believe he may have known Webber's direction after this season.

Its a toss up between four people that come to mind:

1. Ricciardo
2. Jean Eric Vergne
3. Kimi Raikkonen
4. Nico Hulkenberg

[jamsbong]

Definitely a major shift for RedBull. Like Hamilton leaving McLaren.

However, Toro Rosso boys will finally have a chance to be promoted. Rather than ousted.
Schumacher and Alonso brought much success from their respective team despite their young age and lack of experience. Vettel is already a 3x WDC, so honestly, i don't Vettel will be inferior in car development. In fact, i think he could do a better job. Since development will be focused on one driver preference.

Is Kimi still under Lotus contract? If so he won't be joining RB.

[Maelstrom]

I don't think it will be Kimi replacing him. He's got a good deal at Lotus and he's the clear no.1 there. Also the Lotus is improving as a car all the time.

Of all the other options I think Hulkenberg seems the best. Though he's not the sort to play second fiddle to anybody.

Wow... this could really leave the field quite open ... Merc's line up will stay the same... I think Ferrari might lose Massa if he doesn't perform this year... Don't think McLaren will have any changes either.

So one definate slot and one potential slot.

Man... I wish they'd offer Webber's slot to MSC... bad idea.. i know... but I wanted to see him on the podium one last time. It's tragic to see that they never gave him half as good a car in three years that Hamilton is driving now.

[Hail22]

Porsche Denies Mark Webber Deal:

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/ ... 2hvns.html

[beelsebob]

1. Ricciardo
2. Jean Eric Vergne
3. Kimi Raikkonen
4. Nico Hulkenberg

I doubt Vergne or Hulkenberg really have a chance here.

[Websta]

A five year deal always sounded strange to me - it definitely isn't Webber's style to sign such long contracts

[muhammadtalha-13]

I am happy for Webber. He is not clearly enjoying himself At RB. Good move and hope he wins with his new career and team.

[Maelstrom]

From what I understand from the link Hail posted, the news is an unsubstantiated rumor. Though that isn't to say that Webber will stay on. I feel his RBR days are over.

[raymondu999]

Can we rename the thread title, to "Mark Webber moves to Porsche Le Mans?"