For immediate release
January 13, 2002 

Mark Webber has joined a select group of drivers including former world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, after becoming a three times winner of the prestigious Bruce McLaren Award, presented annually by the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC) to the top Commonwealth driver. 

Webber received the award from BRDC Chairman and former F1 star Martin Brundle at the Autosports International show in Birmingham at the weekend, in the presence of a number of motorsport luminaries including Jean Alesi, Mark Blundell, Johnny Herbert and fellow Australian Paul Stoddart with whom Webber's management are presently in negotiations with for a seat with the KL Minardi Asiatech team in this year's FIA Formula One World Championship. 

Webber first won the Bruce McLaren Award in 1998 while driving for the AMG Mercedes team in the FIA GT Championship and again in 2000 for his achievements in his debut season in the FIA International Formula 3000 championship in which he finished third with Stoddart's European Formula Racing team. 

In 2001, Webber raced for the Super Nova F3000 team and finished runner-up in the championship with wins at Imola, Monaco and Magny Cours to his credit. He combined his season with extensive testing for the Benetton Renault Formula One team and remains a Renault Sport contracted driver for 2002 

"It's great to receive the Award from the BRDC again," commented Webber, "It's a very well respected club and to win the Bruce McLaren Award for my results in 2001 F3000 championship is a special honour." 

For further media information, please contact:
Ann Neal
Tel/Fax: +44 1296 728405
Mobile: +44 7990 592404
e-mail: webber@globalnet.co.uk