Mark Webber confirms having talked with Ferrari for 2013

Last May, the Spanish newspaper El Confidential claimed that, according to a then-reliable source, Mark Webber would join Fernando Alonso at Ferrari in 2013. This Tuesday, after several months of speculation that seemed to have gradually lost steam in recent weeks, Mark Webber extended his contract with his current team, Red Bull, for 2013. However, the Australian indeed confirmed that discussions were ongoing with the Rossa: « He had discussions with Ferrari but my decision was to stay where I am. In the end, it was an easy decision. These were interesting months but, overall, the continuity and desire for me to remain with Red Bull Racing were stronger. »

The native of Queanbeyan explains that it is particularly important for him that the team knows you are 100% with them, which I certainly am. Mark Webber now wishes to focus on the current season and undoubtedly knows that in his current position as a title contender, having secured his future with Red Bull allows him to better seize his chance than if he had expressed desires elsewhere, which might have led the team to favor Sebastian Vettel. But the Australian mainly knows that at his age, it is better for him to stay in familiar territory rather than having to acclimate to a new team as well as new people and working methods: There is an incredible group of men and women at Red Bull, and I really enjoy working with them. It has a huge impact on me and the way I perform in the car: it helped me in my decision. I know just about everyone’s shoe size! I know everyone’s name, I know all their quirks, and I also know all the departments, which is very, very important. It’s a whole set of factors.

The great Mark will therefore not go to Ferrari and, on their side, the Maranello firm does not seem in a hurry to make a decision regarding the drivers who will defend their colors. While Fernando Alonso’s position is not threatened, as the Spaniard has a contract until the end of 2016, Felipe Massa’s position remains fragile despite his recent good performances: “I have always said that we are not in a hurry,” reminded Stefano Domenicali, director of the Italian team, before the announcement of the Australian’s extension was made official. “I am delighted to see that Felipe finished fourth (at Silverstone). He was very unlucky in Valencia, so I think his problems are over. I am happy to see that after a very difficult start to the season, he is in shape and I really hope that he can continue like this until the end.”

The Brazilian also received support from Luca di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari, on the official Scuderia website: « I am really happy to see that Felipe was very fast, that he fought hard and consistently throughout the weekend. It was very important for him and for us because it’s partly thanks to the points he scored that we moved up to second place in the constructors’ standings. »