Mark Webber admits he is in talks with Williams

[CarterS]

Mark Webber has confirmed that he is in talks with Williams to fill the spot that will open up in 2005.

He apparantly said "I'd be lying if I stood here and said talks were not happening."

But he said he is committed to Jaguar for 2004 and "maybe" 2005.

Interesting to see what happens. I think it would be unlikely that he moves to Williams next year but it is very likely in 2005.

 

[roostersgal4eva]

this is what F1-live said...

Williams in talks with Webber
The Australian to replace Montoya ? [21/11/03 - 02:31]

Mark Webber achieved a remarkable 2003 season at Jaguar and is becoming one of the most highly rated driver in Formula One.

With the announcement that Juan Pablo Montoya is heading for McLaren in 2005, Williams have no choice but to find a replacement for the Colombian. Even if Webber mentioned many times his intention to stay at Jaguar, the possibility to move at Williams is almost irresistible.

The Australian driver is now admitting that Williams approached him. "There is talk happening and I'd be lying if I said there wasn't but I've got a contract [with Jaguar] to the end of 2005 and that's how it is," said Webber to The Australian. "A lot of the time things happen without you knowing about it but I'm sure Frank [Williams] and [Jaguar boss] Tony Purnell spoke about it but for me I've got to focus on this year."

"I make no secret of the fact that I admire the way Williams go about their work," added Webber. "But I'm massively focused towards Jaguar at the moment and I'm looking forward to staying with them for the next few years. But we'll see what happens. I've just got to keep driving."

from the same artical - what Flavio Briatore said was very interesting…

Even if Webber is trying to remain focused on his current team and contract, his own manager, Flavio Briatore, is not as conservative when talking about the situation. "Montoya at McLaren? We all knew about that since four or five months. I would not be surprised if Williams announce very soon a rupture of Montoya's contract. As for the rest, everyone knows..."

Dare I believe?

I would luv to see Mark Webber in that Williams - he is the real deal!

I know he has a contract but contracts can be bought out especially with all the money that top teams have - if Williams want him then they can buy out his contract!

 

[w00dy]

being a williams supporter myself i would love nothing more than to have our very own mark webber driving for williams... geez i hope he goes there, he'd be a real show for a world title there in a couple of years time...

 

[Ari]

I am a Ferrari supporter myself......BUT.

If Webber ran in a Williams I would be first person at the track on Thursday morning decked out in my Webber-Williams gear, it's as simple as that.

 

[Slax]

Now with rumours circulating that Ralph Schumacher has had an argument with Williams over personal sponsors Williams may need to be replacing 2 drivers.

 

[Dasher39]

Originally posted by w00dy
being a williams supporter myself i would love nothing more than to have our very own mark webber driving for williams... geez i hope he goes there, he'd be a real show for a world title there in a couple of years time...

As a fellow Williams fan I concur with everything there. I have always followed Mark at the other teams, but to have him race for my team would be awesome!!

 

[demon_69]

Originally posted by Ari
I am a Ferrari supporter myself......BUT.

If Webber ran in a Williams I would be first person at the track on Thursday morning decked out in my Webber-Williams gear, it's as simple as that.

I'm a McLaren myself, but if Webber were to get into a Williams car, I'd be following him with equal amount of passion as I do McLaren. If he were to get into a Ferrari, that'd be a whole nother story.

 

[CarterS]

i agree with the ferrari sentiment mate!

webber has turned me into a jaguar fan as well as a webber fan. jaguar are my no1 team with McLaren also a favourite. if Webber left Jag (more of a when to be honest) i can still see myself following the leaping cat closely.

i also have a soft spot for minardi (dont we all?)

 

[B2..]

F1's gonna be really interesting in a year or so, with Schuey in his last year and wanting desperately to go out on a high, Webber in a competitive car and a couple of young Aussies coming through.

I'm getting the same feeling now as I did when Alan Jones was at Shadow and won a race in the wet to start a glittering career. Followed Williams (and Lotus, RIP) since he went there after Shadow.

Perhaps an Aussie era in the making?

 

[Harry]

Originally posted by B2..
Perhaps an Aussie era in the making?

Sadly, I doubt it. There are a number of very talented young Aussie drivers winning races and championships overseas at the moment but they don't have the financial backing they need to get into F1.

Ryan Briscoe might make the grade with the support of Toyota. Drivers like James Courtney, Will Davison, Will Power and the young fella with the Vietnamese name (forgot his name but he's been mentioned many times in GP telecasts) may have the talent to succeed in F1 but will be overlooked in favour of Asian drivers who bring bucketloads of sponsorship dollars to a team.

Mark Webber wouldn't be where he is today without the long term support of Yellow Pages. We need an Australian company to get behind one of these lads and boost him to the top level.