Melbourne, Australia

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Australia17 March 2013 Melbourne, Albert Park Circuit

Melbourne
There’s usually a bit of weather floating around in Melbourne, due to its proximity to the ocean. You need to be prepared for rain.

Turn 16: a long right-hander to end the lap. You need to get the car turned in efficiently so that you can get back on the power early for the pit-straight.

Turns 11 and 12: the fastest and most rewarding corners on the lap. You need to be very committed and precise through here and 13 is a potential overtaking place if you get it right.

Turn 5: it might not look much because it’s only a little kink, but you have to use all of the road and the barriers are close, so it gets your attention.

The quick chicane out the back is pretty spectacular. You won’t see much overtaking, but it’s a good place to see F1 cars cornering at high speed.

. Turns 3 & 4 are quite intimate because the grandstands are pretty close to the track.

2012 winner Jenson Button
Mark’s place 4th
Race date 17 March 2013
Circuit name Albert Park Circuit
No. of laps 58
Circuit length 5.303 km
Race distance 307.574 km
Lap record 1:24.125 – M Schumacher (2004)

Race Result

On the track challenge
Off the track challenge
Australia

Pre-season testing has gone pretty well, but it’s only when we get to Melbourne that we’ll find out how the RB9 stacks up against the opposition. The technical regulations are almost unchanged from last year, so we’re expecting a close fight up front.

I always look forward to the Australian Grand Prix. Melbourne is a great place to kick-off the season and I know I’m very lucky to have a home race. As an event, it’s very well organised and there’s always a good atmosphere because it’s well attended and Melbourne pretty much stops for race week.

I’ve been on most podiums in Formula One, but never at my home race. That’s definitely got to be the goal for this year, and it would be absolutely amazing to win at home. Perhaps I should swap with Jenson [Button] this year; he’s won in Melbourne a few times, but never finished on the podium at Silverstone, and I’ve done the opposite!

As for Albert Park, it’s a pretty good track. It’s closer to a street track than a normal circuit and it has a few repetitive second-gear right-handers. But there are some rewarding corners as well, such as the quick chicane out the back and Turn 5, the little kink at the end of the first sector. There’s plenty to get your teeth into.

AS A MATTER OF FACT…

  • Mark has never finished on the podium in his home grand prix. His fourth place in 2012 was his best result to date.
  • Mark's first lap of Albert Park was in a Mercedes sportscar back in '99. He followed his hero Mick Doohan, who was riding a Honda 500cc motorbike, for the demo run.
  • Albert Park was the scene of Mark's F1 debut in 2002. He finished fifth for Minardi.
  • Mark has a grandstand named after him at Albert Park. The Mark Webber grandstand can be found overlooking the final corner, Turn 16.
  • Mark is one of only three drivers on the grid to have raced at Adelaide, the former home of the Australian Grand Prix. In 1995 he won the Formula Ford support race at the track.
Comments
Dina A. POSTED March 16th, 2013

This morning(..night):
wake up call at 02.25am, watching the classiest driver and most likeable bloke on and off the track back in action in his RB9…, the ‘vroom-vroom’ sound.. Yeaah! the F1 season startet!!!

Mark, hopefully you enjoyed the break with your family & friends, surfing on the sunshine coast and training..

It’s such a relief to hear that you feel fine after removing that huge rod from your leg and the tough R&R weeks! Yes, Mark Webber never gives up..

Beeing your fan is so special! THANK YOU MARK !!
MAKE 2013 TO YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL SEASON!BEST OF LUCK CHAMP !

Regards from your greek fan

Loz POSTED March 14th, 2013

Good luck Mark for the weekend! You are a legend

CALVIN HAYES POSTED March 14th, 2013

MARK I HOPE YOU HAVE THE SAME MACHINE AS VETTEL
WITH THAT YOU ARE A BIG CHANCE OF A DEFINATE PODUIM CHANCE

Wendy POSTED March 14th, 2013

Just wanted to add my best wishes for this weekend and the coming season. Will be going to Budapest for the race in July See you there!

Paul Rizzo POSTED March 11th, 2013

Hi mate remember seeing you at Adelaide driving , in the formula Holden I think? Followed you ever since and I reckon you think about Mark this Year you are the ultimate sportsman and we love your honesty …go for it mate.

Jono F POSTED March 09th, 2013

Best of luck mate, I’m devastated not be attending the race this year but behind you all the way. Genuinely believe it’s your year to be world camp. Looking forward to watching it all the way!

Matthew Collaros POSTED March 09th, 2013

All the best mate! It has been so exciting watching you over the course of your awesome career. Hopefully the biggest highlight is yet to come! See you in Melbourne!

Jill and Brian POSTED March 07th, 2013

Hi Mark, all the best for Melbourne and the coming season. Hope you reach your ultimate goal this year, nobody deserves it more than you. Good luck were all behind you x

CALVIN HAYES POSTED March 05th, 2013

MARK I KNOW AS WELL AS MOST AUSSIE F1 FANS THAT IF YOU HAVE THE SAME VEHICLE AS VETTEL YOU WILL BE IN A BETTER POSTION TO BEAT HIM THIS YEAR GOOD LUCK MATE

Geedog76 POSTED March 03rd, 2013

This is the time to kick some a** on that German a** hole , do it for yourself and your country , you are a legend .

Ian POSTED February 23rd, 2013

See you in Melbourne,I will look for you after the race on the top step.

Vic aka Civy POSTED February 18th, 2013

Hey Mark, keen for the start of F1 season 2013. Time for an Aussie to win in Melbourne, good luck Mate !

Rob Dawson POSTED February 12th, 2013

gday Mark, To start i think your a legend mate, been staying up late on sunday nights watching you race for years now, (my wife now understands this is my thing…mark webber in F1) I heard on the radio today a brief comment made from david coultard that your driving great as ever and red bull should have no reason to give up your seat in the car… is there anything going on there with trades etc, or are you changing teams? either way i’ll be watching again this year and backing you the whole way mate, good luck for the season!

Petra POSTED February 09th, 2013

Hi Mark, I am so glad to read you’re physically better than the previous years. After having that metal removed.
Also happy for you feeling confident in the new RB9 during the tests in Jerez ( a beautiful spot by the way) And I have the feeling that your first win this season is not far away.
Cheers and big hug from China , where the crazy celebrations of CNY already began.

Greg Walker POSTED January 29th, 2013

Mark, you used to do winter training with Lance Armstring in the past. I don’t want to trap you into anything, but how do you feel about all the revelations coming out about Lance now. Personally I am annoyed because I defended him and now feel a bit sheepish.

Mark Webber Site Manager POSTED January 29th, 2013

Hi there Greg,
Funny you should mention that as Mark has just spoken to the BBC about his personal thoughts on Lance Armstrong – you can read his column on the BBC Sport F1 page now or via this LINK.

claire & john southwell POSTED January 15th, 2013

Hi Mark
We became fans of yours the last few years when we found out we were distantly related – same great grandfather from Parkwood area, near Canberra. We have booked 2 tix for the webber stand in melbourne and pray you win this year! All the very best. We can’t wait to see you live in action.

Dirk (Belgium) POSTED January 09th, 2013

Hi Mark,
First I wish you & your family all the best for 2013 ! I believe you’re a true gentleman, a fantastic sportsman and for me the ambassador for the sport ! I really hope you will kick Seb’s ass so hard this year that it will shut up “dr.” Marko’s mouth…I really had it with this guy…You don’t deserve his criticism…
So best of luck in Melbourne and go for it Mark ! This year will be yours…
Best Regards,
Dirk

Emma Oberg POSTED January 01st, 2013

Hi mark just want to say how good you are at driving fast!! Your really sexy

hellpup POSTED December 10th, 2012

Aristotle said that the mind and body of the male peak at about 40 give or take a few years on the individual. that means your in the zone. 3000 years of experience says so. you know you can do it.

Per Stigberg POSTED March 19th, 2012

Hi Mark!
It’s good to see you back on track.
What happened in that nasty first corner? I think you lost the race there. The rest of the race was awesome. A very difficult track to overtake so in the end a good result.
All the best at Sepang.
Go for it, Mark!

John POSTED March 18th, 2012

Good luck in your 10th year Mark! Hope you become world champion!

Dina A. POSTED March 18th, 2012

Woohoo! F1 season starts = WEBBER MANIA!!

Come on Mark, bring your “A” game at every race, every lap, every corner…
Be the fastest & be safe !
YOU CAN DO IT AND YOU’LL DO IT CHAMP!!!
Send you the best of luck and all my support.

Rose CSD POSTED March 16th, 2012

Per fi!(in english”finally!”)F1 2012 starts it! After a lot of months without F1…the drivers come back on the track
The first GP in your land 
In my litlle country, Catalonia, have an amazing tradition: “els castellers” people who make human castles
Before to start to make them they say: “FORÇA, EQUILIBRI, VALOR i SENY!”
(in english: “strength, balance, courage and good sense!”)
I think that it would be a good way to wish you an amazing season!!!

Petra POSTED March 16th, 2012

Hi Mark,
Can’t wait to see you back on the track.
All the best for the new season!
Cheers from China

Petra POSTED March 16th, 2012

To site manager:
Something ‘s going wrong here , showing so many comments from 2011 ??
Regards Petra S.W.

Mark Webber Site Manager POSTED March 16th, 2012

Hi Petra – no, nothing is wrong; we decided to keep the 2011 comments on site to preserve the history for each race. All of the 2012 comments should appear at the top of the list to avoid any confusion.

Ozroder POSTED March 16th, 2012

I was hoping to go and see you live this year bro but cancer and operation caught up with me……..hope I`m around next year to try to see you again……
I feel your season is going to be awesome this year!

mop POSTED March 14th, 2012

For me you are NR 1

corbs POSTED March 12th, 2012

Best of luck for 2012 and starting in style Down Under Webbo!!

Zdravko POSTED March 12th, 2012

Hey Mark,i look forward to seeing you on track again. I hope to see you win in Albert Park,would be awesome. Best of luck for the season,you can get that championship. You deserve it.

Phil H POSTED March 11th, 2012

Won’t be able to get there but will be watching on the screen and will have everything crossed for you, mate. Have a fast and safe first race – it’s a long season. Cheers.

Grant POSTED March 10th, 2012

Come on mate, win a few this year. The whole country is behind you. Whether its arvo in Melbourne or 4am in Brazil, we will all be watching and willing you on.

Adelaide wants it back!

Frank Capaldi POSTED March 10th, 2012

Good luck Mark for the whole season. Myself and my three sons will be comming to Melbourne to cheer you on, from your grandstand. We will watch all year. Good luck mate. You make us all proud to be Aussies.

hans peters POSTED March 10th, 2012

Ik denk net zo als de rest over de wereld waar staan we naar de kwalificatie wand naar de test weten we nog niks ik hoop dat de redbul het goed doet maar het zal harder worden als in 2011 maar mark veel geluk en houd de f1 op de baan..

Paul S POSTED March 09th, 2012

Hi Mark, Good luck with the new season! Hope you get lotsa poles and wins!

Cheers, Paul
Sydney

Peter Burt POSTED March 09th, 2012

Go for it mate. Lots of Kiwis are behind you…we’d love to see you on the podium.

Wayne POSTED March 07th, 2012

Hi All and A special G’day to MW im an Aussie sports fan. That means what ever sport their is an Aussie in i will follow as much as i can. But Mark Webber is someone Special along the lines of Cadel Evans. You my friend have had your fair share of Knockers and you have stood up and shown them all that you have what it takes. i sincerely hope you crew can give you the same car as your um Team mate. Then Mark you will be World Champion. You are an Australian Hero and im proud to of watch you Bloom. All the Best in 2012 Oi Oi Oi

Law POSTED March 03rd, 2012

Go Champ!!!

See you there. I’ll be in the Senna stand, next to your stand.

Aaron Latter POSTED March 01st, 2012

Mark,
Good luck mate. Hope you get the good start to the season you need and your team is behind you 100%. Get on the front row and smash the start!!!
Aaron

Petra POSTED February 29th, 2012

Mark, I wish you a phenomenal start at the season 2012. Enjoy your homerace!

Clinton Holloway POSTED February 26th, 2012

Dear Mark
Hope your itching to get Albert firing. Tyres are sounding more forgiving than last years bubble gum rubber…..I pray the medium & hard compounds serve you as well as in previous seasons. All Oz is backing a podium at home (no pressure), but you dont need luck, just get out there, best form and carry the momentum from Brasil.. You’ll own it..!

Greg Burke POSTED February 26th, 2012

Hi Mark, Time to show them the real Mark Webber, This is your year….Stay true, stay positive… All the luck, you make yourself….Take care….. As they say…. You Can DO IT…….

Luke POSTED February 25th, 2012

Hi Mark, Good luck “eye of the tiger” you can win. Will be watching the race in Melbourne, enjoy the Season.

Erik E POSTED February 20th, 2012

Hi Mark!

Best wishes from Canada! I know you’ve got it in you to pull off a fantastic season! Ive been your fan since I started following F1 in 2009. I just love your gritty approach to driving.

Pin it!

-Erik

Mark Woolway POSTED December 28th, 2011

Hi Mark, Good luck with the race! I saw you at the Silverstone Grand Prix last year and threw you a fosters on stage after the race – Any chance of returning the favour out in Melbourne? Thanks!

Stewart Graham POSTED March 29th, 2011

Hi Mark Followed you for years Im british living in Derbyshire,you were obviously very frustrated on sunday you will get your car right and you will be up there with the top guys im very much behind you all the way mate good luck

Mariella POSTED March 27th, 2011

Dear Mark: You did great last season and in a few hours is starting a new one in your country with all the support of your people. I think you can feel the adrenaline through your veins. Third position on the clean side I think it’s OK. All my support and best whishes for you and your team.

Linda Lewis POSTED March 26th, 2011

Goodluck for tomorrow hoping you cross the line first but either way you are a winner.

stuart POSTED March 26th, 2011

Go Mark. This is the year for celebration

SUSANA POSTED March 26th, 2011

GOOD LUCK, MELBOURNE’S RACE IS YOURS, YOU’RE THE BEST!!

Finn Rippon POSTED March 25th, 2011

Hi Mark,
I hope you have a good time in Melbourne and good luck in qualifying and for the race.

Finn – Hangzhou

Molly Radford POSTED March 25th, 2011

Mr Webber I say God Speed to you.

I won’t say good luck, all the best, etc however I say Thankyou.

Thankyou Mr Webber.

Signed Molly Radford
Stolen Generation Australian

Peter D POSTED March 25th, 2011

well done for P1… P1 !!!

Peter D POSTED March 25th, 2011

Good luck Mark. Push it, and Win for all of us. Your a great role modle for all young aussies.
The Diamond Family.

Carol Tutchener POSTED March 25th, 2011

Good luck Mark for a flying start to your F1 World Championship year with a win in our home town GP in Melbourne! It is great to see a successful Aussie sportsman who is also a true role model that we can all be proud of.

MAR POSTED March 25th, 2011

Good luck from one of your Spanish fans.

We’re all cheering for you!!

Mar

Stephanie Robinson POSTED March 25th, 2011

Good luck Mark with the new season! I really hope you can win the title and show everyone that ‘your not bad for a number two driver!’.
After last years driving i think this year will be the one to win the world championship.
Fingers crossed you can score a home win this weekend!

Harriet Gerrard POSTED March 25th, 2011

Good Luck this year Mark! I can’t wait for the race this weekend, you will do great- as always. Your my No.1 driver. :-)

Iréne POSTED March 24th, 2011

Good luck from one of your swedish fans! This season will be yours :)

Adam Hinchliff POSTED March 23rd, 2011

Mark,

You probably dont even read the comments. But Goodluck this year mate and I hope you kick some butt. Day after day i cop crap from guys at work for supporting you. But im still supporting you. Will see you in abu dhabi i hope. Let this year be yours!

Brett Mcinnes POSTED March 23rd, 2011

Good luck Mark Potsee Webber all the best for 2011 and this weekend cant wait for my late sunday nights all the best mate

jamie dix POSTED March 23rd, 2011

hi mark,im from whyalla SA,home of the big red snapper…good luck 4 melbourne,been big fan since ur debut there 2002..ur the man…

Mick POSTED March 22nd, 2011

Best of luck this season Mark,know you can do it.

Kylie Banks POSTED March 22nd, 2011

Hey Mark, Goodluck for the year im sure 2011 will be even better than 2010.I really admire your hard work and sportsmanship your a great australian always a hero in my eyes.

Petra POSTED March 21st, 2011

@site manager.. thanks for the reply… I’ve just had to change the internetbrowser. Now, it works! :-) (Will the site run in googlecrome as well in the future?)

Mark Webber Site Manager POSTED March 21st, 2011

Hi Petra – glad to hear it’s working for you now. We use Google Chrome and there are no problems, so not sure why you couldn’t view it properly – it’s something we’ll mention to our developers.

Annie POSTED March 21st, 2011

Go get that trophy baby and bring it home. See you at Silverstone.
Annie
Nottingham

Petra POSTED March 21st, 2011

Hi, good luck for 2011!!! by the way: on Facebook there is written “…And don’t forget to hover over the black dots on the track map!” It doesn’t really work, does it?

***Site Manager***

Hi there – when you click through to the My Season Preview section on Mark’s site (http://www.markwebber.com/my-season-preview/melbourne-australia) you will be able to see the comments when you hover over the black dots on the track maps. Each race will only be ‘activated’ the week beforehand, so at this stage the only race preview that is ‘live’ is Melbourne. Don’t forget to check back for future previews!

andy POSTED March 21st, 2011

GOOD LUCK MARK!! we’re all cheering for you!!

Nick POSTED March 20th, 2011

KIck but Mark, all of OZ is behind you, we have so much faith in you. You will be World Champ go get them for all of OZ.

Zdravko Anticic POSTED March 20th, 2011

Hey
I have been your fan since i noticed you back in your day as a minardi driver…
I was prolly 8 at the time
Anyway, i wish you the best of luck at the weekend
And the team,
Sadly our national TV station stopped broadcasting F1,so i won’t be able to watch :(

Go get em

marion inglis POSTED March 20th, 2011

good luck Mark we will all be watching

Richard POSTED March 19th, 2011

Hi Mark,
Received a copy of your book 2010 – A season to remember Up Front for my birthday in December. Great read and excellent colour photography. When you next visit Perth, would welcome the chance to get my book signed.

Followed your progress during pre-season testing, great work.

Can’t wait for the first GP of 2011 in Melbourne.

With your professional approach on and off the track and determination I am sure this will be your year.

I wish you all the best and good luck for the rest of the GP’s that are ahead of you and will be staying up to watch all even if in the early hours of the morning.

PS – It will be great to get your second book with the words “World Champion for 2011″

Cheers
Richard – Perth

Nathan POSTED March 19th, 2011

Hey Mark, good luck this year mate and I will give ya a wave from the Brabham stand as you blur past me next week.

Rod POSTED March 19th, 2011

Hi Mark good luck just get through the first corner and go go go I will be in the webber stand and my son Liam will be singing the anthem at the start grid dont worry about the points just finish the race the season is very long luck can go any way it likes you just need you and sab out in front and then fight it out over the last few races

Véronique POSTED March 19th, 2011

GOOD LUCK MARK FOR THIS SEASON.
I BELIEVE YOU
KISSES FROM FRANCE

Mariella POSTED March 19th, 2011

Hello everyone. Are you ready and anxious as I am?
I hope we enjoy this season a lot, and we support Mark as always we do.

When we return to green? Nature is green, Mark is green, and the screen should be ……………….you know. lol

Robyn POSTED March 19th, 2011

I drove part of the track tonight on the way home (albeit at 40km/h and in the wrong direction) and saw some of the team’s flight cases in the pit lane…not long to go now! Tremendously excited for this race, and will be there every day cheering you on. Best of luck!

John POSTED March 18th, 2011

Good luck in Melbourne Mark and welcome home. You truly are an inspiration.

Dani Baker POSTED March 18th, 2011

Loving the new website! Best of luck this season – I know you’ll do good :)

Núria POSTED March 18th, 2011

My best wishes from Spain!! Good luck!

Viktoriya POSTED March 18th, 2011

In new season you will win!Your fans are with you. Good luck,Mark!!!

Andrea POSTED March 17th, 2011

I can hardly expect the first GP and your home race. You’re fantastic and I know you’ll give your best again!! Hopefully the car is as good and reliable as last season but what should go wrong with such a perfect driver!!! Kisses from Austria

Michael Gray POSTED March 17th, 2011

Re the hard to read text, after submitting my comment I noticed the Marks Says text is now on a green background, much easier to read than the tire marks background image when I posted the comment…
Regards
MG

Michael Gray POSTED March 17th, 2011

Hey Mark, best of luck for Melbourne! You have done a fantastic job, especially over the last year with some great wins and places. It would be fantastic if you could pull off a home win! Fingers crossed! Always a winner in my book!

BTW, I find the text on the race preview page a little hard to read with the dark background. Maybe a lighter background image or different text color would help…

best of Luck!
MG – Sydney

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