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MY GREATEST DAY

POSTED ON May 17th, 2010

MY GREATEST DAY

Mark dominated today’s Monaco Grand Prix to take his second lights-to-flag victory inside a week. He was never headed in the 78-lap race and he now leads the world championship for the first time in his career.

“This is the greatest day of my life,” says Mark. “Monaco is the most prestigious race on the calendar and it means the world to me to have won it. When you look at the list of drivers who’ve won this race before me, it’s an honour to have my name up there with them. Jack Brabham was the last Australian to win it, in ’59, so we’ve had a bit of a wait!”

Mark was the class of the field all weekend. He took pole position by 0.3s from Robert Kubica and controlled the race from the front. He was so dominant during the early stages that he was able to make his only pitstop of the race on lap 23 and emerge still in the lead.

“The car was fantastic to drive,” says Mark. “The only part of the race that didn’t go quite according to plan was the start because I was a bit slow away from the line. That allowed the others to get close to me, but the run to Turn 1 in Monaco is only short and I was able to stay in front.

“Once I’d emerged from the first corner in the lead, I knew that the grand prix was mine to lose. But there’s no such thing as an easy race in Monaco because it’s so demanding on the driver. You’re never more than a few inches from the barriers and you have to remain 100 percent focused to keep the car out of the wall.”

The Safety Car interrupted Mark’s rhythm four times during the race and on each occasion his sizeable lead was reduced to nothing. But he worked hard during these slow laps to maintain the temperature of his tyres and he managed to get the jump on second-placed Sebastian Vettel at every re-start.

“Seb struggled with the re-starts more than I did,” says Mark, “and that allowed me to reassert myself on the race each time. Actually, I was expecting Kubica to be my main rival today because he was very quick during practice and qualifying. As you can imagine, I was very happy to see Seb get ahead of him at the start of the race because it not only placed a car between us, it meant Red Bull Racing scored its second one-two of the season.”

With 15 laps of the race remaining, Mark’s race engineer Ciaron Pilbeam came on the radio to ask him to slow his pace in order to conserve the engine and gearbox for future races. That’s easier said than done in Monaco.

“I kept thinking of a Formula Ford race back in ’95,” says Mark, “when I was leading by a mile and spun off! I worked very hard at maintaining my focus during the latter stages of today’s race, let me tell you.”

Having thrown his helmet into the crowd after winning the Spanish Grand Prix, Mark’s joy after taking the chequered flag in Monaco manifested itself in a back-flip into the swimming pool by the Red Bull Energy Station. Still with his overalls on.

“There isn’t a driver who’s raced in Formula One who hasn’t wanted to win the Monaco Grand Prix,” says Mark. “It’s huge and I’m going to enjoy this victory tonight. We’ve got longer term goals this season, but you’ve got to enjoy your victories as well. There might be a few sore heads around the place tomorrow…”

// ends

Comments
Mark's admirer POSTED June 01st, 2010

Go mark, we love you

Kayren POSTED May 29th, 2010

Sat on the edge of my seat for the whole race – held my breath at every re start and more – glued to the screen – could not leave the room. You were just soooo exciting to watch. You made your “mark” on Monaco. Still smiling for you. Best wishes, Kayren, Dingley Village, Australia

Dave POSTED May 26th, 2010

Absolutely Brilliant win! Have watched your entire F1 career with hope. I’m really happy you were able to show your talent and determination. May the rest of your career be even more successful. Dave from Adelaide SA

Mark POSTED May 25th, 2010

I’ve never written to a sportsman before but after watching you in a formula ford in the wet at Sandown way back when..(92 i think) to never missing a single race race in your F1 career from the bottom of my heart mate well done, I’ve been ear bashed about for so long & to see your success.. well I can’t tell you the emotions I felt except that my neighbour came over to see if I was alright as I was shouting the house down when you smashed them at Monaco. No money yet you made it. From one proud Aussie open wheel fan CONGRATULATIONS MARK !!

Rosco POSTED May 25th, 2010

Go Mark Go, you little beauty!

John POSTED May 24th, 2010

Great race, now concentrate on winning the World Championship. You are already a LEGEND.

George Atherley POSTED May 23rd, 2010

Mark, I can’t tell you mate, awesome.Simply Awesome!!

Christina POSTED May 23rd, 2010

congratulations Mark. keep on winning until you get the championship.

Phill J POSTED May 22nd, 2010

Super Congratulations Mark. So well deserved.
I was lucky enough to be there (at Casino) and witness what was a brilliant drive..same line and positioning every single lap. Very proud to be a MW supporter and an Aussie.Cost me a dive in the Mediterainean and a big headache but made it a fairy tale trip for us from Aus.
Our very best wishes for the rest of the season mate.

Dennis POSTED May 21st, 2010

2 wins on 2 totally different track. Turkey should’nt be a problem. Congrats Mark! It all finally come together

Trev from Salisbury UK POSTED May 21st, 2010

Stunning results Mark – well done! I’ve taken enough stick over the years for supporting you through thick and thin, now the boots on the other foot and I’m going to make the most of it!
It’s a long road ahead but the way your going currently all things are possible. Sock it too them in Turkey. Great car + great driver = great results.
Cheers mate.

Jason POSTED May 21st, 2010

Well done Mark followed you from the start always knew you had it in you! I watch every race and wish you all the best for the rest of the Season! Go all the way mate! YOU CAN DO IT! GO HARD!

Michael POSTED May 21st, 2010

Mark,

Have been following you since Minardi days and always knew these kind of performances were in you. It is bloody awesome to see them materialise in a car that allows you to exploit your talent. Bloody awesome stuff.

Not only are you making Seb look a tad ordinary, but 4 previous world champions also.

We’re with you on this, 1 race at a time. You can do it mate.

Mick from Sydney

carole POSTED May 21st, 2010

well done mark fabulous.

Michael - Phuket, Thailand POSTED May 21st, 2010

Just rewards for talent, persistence, commitment and sportsmanship. You are making your dreams and many other peoples come true!

carole POSTED May 20th, 2010

MARK ONE WORD FABULOUS.X

Glen from Shepp POSTED May 20th, 2010

Mark – after proving all of your critics wrong this week you have the free reign to realise your ultimate dream… because you have the belief and faith in yourself and your ability to overcome any obstacle… GO HARD MATE!

jimbo POSTED May 20th, 2010

honestly in a league of your own at the moment mate, but now you are in a position you have not been in in 8 years, the championship beckons & your the star to pull it off.Keep that confidence brimming because you are making short work of the opposition. Remember your dream, stay focused & you will conquer

Ben POSTED May 20th, 2010

Good job mark u have always had it in u now show them u r the best go mark go

Liam POSTED May 20th, 2010

Great day for Aus, another faultless drive mark. You’ve got them all covered now. All that is left to do is take out the remaining 13 races… should be a piece of cake!

josh POSTED May 19th, 2010

ps Adelaide, Australia

josh POSTED May 19th, 2010

Wow Mark!!!!My partner and i followed you to 7 European races and the Singapore GP last year, including Germany, a day we will never forget! But Monaco, that is something else! You bloody champ! AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE

Aris POSTED May 19th, 2010

Keep Winig to Be a Champion! GO GO GO!!

Aussie Matt POSTED May 19th, 2010

ATT: Mark Webber
You are most awesome Mr Webber. You are well spoken, diligent, respectful and an awesome team-member. Not to mention a passion driven and RB6 driven F1 competitor representing your home country Australia.
Now it’s time for you to cash in on all the good committed excellence you have brought to others.
Karma is finally coming around to reward your awesomeness and just to make sure, ‘keep your eyes on the prize’.
We admire and respect you Mark Webber and believe in you. WIN all that you want.
Regards,
Matt

Jeanot Muller POSTED May 19th, 2010

YOU ARE THE MEN! Briliant drive! I love you since minardi but it is getting better and better! Fingers crossed from holland!

Alex S POSTED May 19th, 2010

Yeah Baby!!!!
What an awesome display. Mark I will be happy to see boring races for the rest of the year, as long as you win every one!!!!! :-) Awesome.

Moose from Tassie POSTED May 19th, 2010

YES YES YES!!
Another brilliant drive, these 2 wins would have to be the best week for Aussie motorsport in a very long time! Keep up the awesome work!

Marieke POSTED May 18th, 2010

It´s quite difficult to describe the enormous respect and happiness coming to my mind concerning your latest achievements! Last year Nürburgring was my first time to be at an racing event and you won, it was such an amazing day. Wish you all the best for the next races and just wanted you to know that there is a big fan/supporter since six years in Germany! :)

Fran Godineau POSTED May 18th, 2010

A massive BRAVO from La Rochelle in France!!!!!!!!!
I discovered F1 with Senna, and you are the first one afterwards to blow our mind here!! Because of your courage and your tenacity and passion!
We are supporting you every minute! Lots of love!

phillpines POSTED May 18th, 2010

congratulation, mark webber.

Mark B POSTED May 18th, 2010

Congratulations on a stunning drive Mark. You have shown all your doubters (including myself) what an incredible talent you are these past few years. This latest win was nothing short of incredible. The car is good, but the drive was flawless, on what must be the most challenging circuit in the World. You deserve every second of it and I hope this is your year. Another ‘senior’ driver becoming World Champion. What a true sportsman you are. Go Mark!!!
(From a huge LH fan)

Eleanor POSTED May 18th, 2010

Well done Mark! Keep on winning and get the championship. We all know you can do it :) x

jenny POSTED May 18th, 2010

for nine years i have known that you are great enough to be up there with the best, i am so happy that the rest of the world see that now also.

Scott POSTED May 18th, 2010

Unbelievable drive!! It was simply absolutely awesome.

Luckygun POSTED May 18th, 2010

You claimed the big one,Monaco!!!,Congratulations Mark.Eyes on the PRIZE!!!ALL AUSSIES WANT YOU TO WIN.The maths is easy MW + RBR = World Drivers Champ,we know its easier said than done,You’ve just got to GO FOR IT!!!

NATALIA POSTED May 18th, 2010

turkey win now!!!!
I send you much strength
kisses

Pete POSTED May 18th, 2010

Well done Mark!!! Great stuff!Keep it going now. You,ve got the right car, right team and most off all right mindset

Pete POSTED May 18th, 2010

Fantastic result Mark!! Keep it going.You’ve got the right car ,right team and most of all right mindset!!! Go Mark Go!!!

Corbs POSTED May 18th, 2010

Bloody brilliant drive Mark, your best to date – well done and keep them coming!!

Johnny POSTED May 18th, 2010

GO WEBBER!

You bloody legend! Always knew you could do it and now you are! You are awesome! And your dogs are awesome too!

Rick POSTED May 18th, 2010

Mark, you rule! That race at Monaco was all class. It would be a great thing to see you crowned as world champion this year. You’re with the right team, have the right car and you are awesome to watch at any race. Keep up the great work and best of luck in Turkey next weekend! GO FOR THE WIN! The championship is yours to take.

cw POSTED May 18th, 2010

Awesome results Mark (you deserve them)!! Hope you’re having a great time after the wonderful Monaco win!

Henry POSTED May 18th, 2010

Well Done Mark you have done your country and nanny state proud, Dont know if you remember me but I walked in on you at the Aus GP 2 years ago while you where taking a shower during the race, cheers good luck

Phil Woodyatt POSTED May 18th, 2010

Absolutely fantastic drive. No one has worked harder for this deserved success. After your apprentership these wins must feel sweet. Congratulations mate and keep pushing!!!

stephen harvey POSTED May 18th, 2010

Mark Webber you are a bloody superstar, mate of mine have given me stick for follwing you and i cant think of a better way to stick it up’em, fantstick win spain and monaco and what ever els comes along great job. Hasting vic, australia…

Carl POSTED May 18th, 2010

I am so happy for you! I watched the whole race from the edge of my seat. Well done Mark, and go get that championship! Sydney

Pete POSTED May 18th, 2010

Well done on your Monaco win Mark. I was really happy watching you achieve this win. it is great to see you rewarded for the speed you have shown at this track since your F3000 days.

Duane Schultz POSTED May 18th, 2010

Fantastic effort Mark!! Seems like all the tough years are paying off, well done. Give Seb Hell :)

Marc Evans POSTED May 18th, 2010

Well done. I was lucky enough to see you win & spray the champagne on the podium with my Aussie flag in Germany & hopefully will see you again soon as you become a world champ. Go get em!!

Joe A POSTED May 18th, 2010

Congratulations Mark on a fantastic victory – years of hard work are finally being rewarded. You are a true Australian champion and we all support you in your quest to become WDC. All the best for Turkey!

Philip Perry POSTED May 17th, 2010

Stick to that lil German, Congrats on another perfect weekend you dominated every thing your already a legend but we want the cup. Keep it up Webber im with you all the way and always have been! AUSSI AUSSIE AUSSIE

Philip Perry POSTED May 17th, 2010

Conrgats Mark well deserved and over due, stick it to that little German “Vettel” and you are a legend like my live long idol Ayrton Senna. Couldnt be happier for you AUSSIE
AUSSIE AUSSIE

Kevin Seeto POSTED May 17th, 2010

Awsome drive Mark! A masterclass at the highest possible level. You’ve made your team and us Aussies very proud. Keep up the great work!
Regards Kevin, UK

Felix POSTED May 17th, 2010

Hi Mark,
Congratualtions!!!
I was at Monaco and kept my fingers crossed for you!
You showed everyone that youre the champion!
Hope you keep on winning, you absolutely deserve it.
Felix from Germany

Magnus from Sweden POSTED May 17th, 2010

Absolutely incredible driving by you Mark.
Finally you got that Monaco win that you deserve. Remember how you had to retire in 2006 when you also drove an incredible race in Monaco.
And the pole lap was one of the best I’ve seen.
Schumacher said some nice words about you too after the qualifying.
That must be great to hear that from him.
I’m looking forward to more awesome races from you Mark.

Martin POSTED May 17th, 2010

Mark,
it was a fantastic week and I was very proud to be a Mark-Webber-Fan ,because my father and my uncle are Schumacher-fans ;)
Keep it up and good luck for the future
Cheers Martin from Aachen,Germany

alex POSTED May 17th, 2010

Felicitation , tu es fabuleux je t’aime!!

The Bucks Herald newspaper POSTED May 17th, 2010

Brilliant stuff again Mark, giving us plenty to write about here at The Bucks Herald. Keep up the good work, we’ll be backing you all the way!

Peter POSTED May 17th, 2010

Great race, i really enjoyed it and just hoped you would not get too nervous by all the safety car phases. Even if the press here does not appreciate your performance – you were far the best in Monaco and Barcelona! Peter from Germany

Steve Potter POSTED May 17th, 2010

hey Mark, cant believe it mate, this is just making this years season so friggn exciting for us Aussies. Hoping you can tell us whats unlocked your recent performances. Did the spanish updates just really suit your driving style or has there been a notable change in your approach? whatever is mate, The WCT is looking withis reach. Bring Turks

Stuart POSTED May 17th, 2010

Congratulations – a big day for all Australians. We are so proud of you and what you have achieved so far. Onward and upward to the WDC. We are with you all the way.

Jeanot Muller POSTED May 17th, 2010

Great job! I really loved this weekend! Im suporting you since youre driving for minardi and this is why! Congrats mate! Keep it going!

Jeanot Muller POSTED May 17th, 2010

GREAT! Im supporting you since youre driving at Minardi, and i followed the race with a great smile on my face! Youre the best! Keep it up! Congrats from Holland!!

Mark Warner POSTED May 17th, 2010

Mate – You Bloody Beauty !
You’ve got them running scared – so drive it home now, and don’t take your foot off their necks for a second !

Philip Contessa POSTED May 17th, 2010

Hi Mark

There’s really only 2 words that can describe what u have achieved over the Monaco F1 Grand Prix. They are ‘superb’ and ‘champion’. Well done mate!

Rob Gielen POSTED May 17th, 2010

Great drive Mark! You dominated on the track. I saw the qualification lap on BBC. Awesome! Wish you the best for the rest of season.
Rob Gielen, The Netherlands

mark dimmock POSTED May 17th, 2010

in mark webbers words…yes yes yes you f#*@^%g beauty.how could red bull even consider letting him go ?

Steve Newman POSTED May 17th, 2010

Well done Mark on back to back victories!! Awesome mate! Cheers Steve – Adelaide S.A.

Mike POSTED May 17th, 2010

Congratulations. A weekend of Webber excellence. May there be many more. So close to the Grand Chelem. Fingers crossed you do that in Turkey. Mike from Michelago NSW(but soon to be Oxford, UK)

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