US GRAND PRIX PREVIEW: Webber is revved up as ‘incredible’ Austin looms

Mark Webber’s time in Formula 1 is fast running out and he is determined to enjoy what he has left of it, starting at the ‘incredible racetrack’ that is Austin.
Mark Webber previews the US Grand Prix    PHOTO: Red Bull MediaMark Webber previews the US Grand Prix    PHOTO: Red Bull Media
Mark Webber previews the US Grand Prix PHOTO: Red Bull Media

Webber leaves F1 for the World Endurance Championship at the end of the season where he will race sports cars for Porsche.

And with just two races left, including one of Webber’s favourites in the shape of the US Grand Prix this weekend, the Aston Clinton ace is saddling up to go out on a yeeha high!

“The Circuit of the Americas is an incredible racetrack. It looked good on paper when it was being built and it lived up to expectations when we drove it for the first time last year. It’s really stimulating to drive, with lots of fast corners and some big undulations.

“There were some initial worries about the length of the first sector because it’s long and has a lot of consecutive corners. But I think it’s OK; it’s very challenging because it’s fast and you have to be very precise because it’s very difficult to regain lost momentum if you make a mistake.

“It’s not the kind of place you want to meet a slower car, as Seb (Vettel) did in the race.

“What was surprising was how well the asphalt gripped up during the course of the race weekend last year. It was like an ice rink during Friday practice and some people were pretty worried about the situation.

“It’s a real credit to everyone involved in organising the inaugural event that it passed so smoothly.

“And Austin is a great city, so I see no reason why F1 can’t gain a true foothold in the US at this venue.”

Practice takes place today (Thursday) and Friday, qualifying is on Saturday and the race is on Sunday.

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