Mark Webber to be inducted into Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame

Mark Webber, one of Australia’s most internationally renowned race drivers, is to be inducted into the Australian Motor Sport Hall of Fame.

As Webber has been retired from his primary motorsport career for two years, this is the first year Webber has been eligible for the honour.

He will join the likes of Sir Jack Brabham and Peter Brock as the 52nd inductee into the Hall of Fame, after presenting his friend and motorcycle Speedway world champ Jason Crump with an inductee medal last year.

“For me to join the list of other inductees is very, very special,” says Webber, “obviously the list includes a lot of heroes of mine.

“99% of my racing was done overseas and I am proud of that, but it is nice to be recognised for what we achieved and some of the results along the way.”

Webber, who earned himself the nickname ‘Aussie Grit’, first won a Formula 1 race at the German GP in 2009 with Red Bull Racing, after having raced in the series for seven years.

He then went on to win eight more F1 Grand Prix, including Monaco twice.

““I had some pretty good people around me and everyone that has success has that story,” Webber adds. “I am honoured, there is absolutely no question about it.”

His time in the FIA World Endurance Championship marked the beginning of a continuing relationship with Porsche, the brand for which he is now ambassador after having taken over from the legendary Walter Rohrl.

Webber, along with Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard, took out the 2015 FIA WEC title shortly before Webber’s retirement.

Chairman for the Hall of Fame Garry Connelly says Webber’s commitment to motorsport has more than qualified him for induction in his first year eligible.

“Mark has been a tremendous ambassador for our sport and country for many, many years and it is a pleasure that we welcome him into the Hall of Fame,” says Connelly.

“He deserves his place alongside the greats that have flown the Australian flag.

“You don’t have a nickname like ‘Aussie Grit’ unless you have earned it with a total commitment to your craft.”