Sports Car Forum - MotorWorld.net - Webber signs with Williams

Its finally official after rumours going around for a few months now. I just saw an interview with Webber on TV here and he was talking about looking forward to challenging Schumi next season.
It will be great to have an Aussie in a car that can match it with the other top teams and should raise interest in F1 here in Oz. We might even have our first World Champ since big Alan Jones. :D
How do you guys think he'll go next year?

From www.markwebber.com

Webber Signs for BMW WilliamsF1 Team for 2005
28 July 2004 | 7:13pm

Oxford, 28 July 2004.

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team confirmed today that Mark Webber has signed for the team for the 2005 season and beyond.

The signing of the highly acclaimed 27 year-old Australian reflects a long-term mutual interest between team and driver.

“Mark is self-evidently a highly talented driver,“ said BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal Frank Williams, “But his tenacity, determination and motivation are also qualities we prize at Williams. As a team we have traditionally prospered with drivers who have a down-to-earth, ‘let’s get on with it’ attitude. Mark is certainly in that mould, and I am delighted he has agreed to join the team for 2005.“

For his part, Webber said on the signing of the agreement, “The deal I have agreed with Williams today really is the most significant milestone in my career to date, and I have great expectations of what we can achieve together. Of course I am focused on my job for the remainder of this season, but I cannot wait to take up my position for next year. Besides having an amazing history of success, the team has a reputation for a no-nonsense and straightforward approach to racing, which suits me just fine.“

Mark Webber has over a decade of motor racing experience, and has never failed to impress at every stage of his career. He rose to prominence in Formula One in his debut race in Mebourne in 2002 when he claimed a stunning 5th place for Minardi.

Frank Williams sees the signing as more important than simply attracting a future World Champion to the team. “Mark is the kind of character who will give a whole new impetus to everyone employed at WilliamsF1 and at BMW. It would be a realistic assessment to say that we have not covered ourselves in glory in recent races, but I believe Mark will be a significant catalyst in improving our fortunes next season.“

Webber was a relatively late starter by motor racing standards, only taking up karting at the age13 after a childhood spent playing and competing in a number of other sports in his native Australia. His swift progress claiming the Formula Ford Festival win in 1996 propelled the Australian into Formula 3, the FIA GT Championship with Mercedes and subsequently F3000, before Formula One beckoned. Testing for Benetton led Webber to a full-time drive for Minardi for the 2002 season, and his prowess attracted the attentions of Jaguar Racing. In 2003, he finished the season 10th in the drivers’ championship, and scored 18 of the team’s tally of 19 points for the year.

This is what Jag had to say:

David Pitchforth, commented, “We have all enjoyed working with Mark over the past two years and the relationship that has developed between him and the team has been one of trust and mutual respect. We have all learned an incredible amount over these two seasons as Mark has grown as a driver while our racing package has developed to challenge for points. Mark has now reached a stage where he needs to continue this progress and pursue race wins. We understand his decision and respect it. I would like to thank him on behalf of Jaguar Racing, Cosworth Racing and Pi Research for his unwavering commitment to the team and we will monitor his progress to the top with great pleasure. When Mark wins his World Championship we will all be celebrating with the rest of them, proud to have helped him on his way. Mark will race with us until the end of this season, ensuring that we all continue to focus on fighting for more Championship points which we know we can achieve with our drivers and the Jaguar R5.”
Mark Webber said, “Jaguar is one of the most emotive and successful names in motor racing and one that I am incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to race for. During the past two years I have had the pleasure to work with some amazingly talented people from whom I have been inspired and motivated. Formula One is a very, very tough environment in which to work and to do well in. But the camaraderie amongst the team and the efforts that the boys - both at the Jaguar Racing factory and at the track - go to is very, very special and I'd like to thank them for all their hard work. The R4 last year was a good foundation from which I learnt a lot and then the Jaguar R5 this year has again been a step up in the right direction. The team is incredibly focused on the task ahead and I can honestly say that in all my racing years I have never been as close to a team as I have been here with Jaguar Racing. However, I have now made the decision to move on for 2005 and look to progress my career with my new team BMW-WilliamsF1. I am looking forward to the new challenges next year but for the remainder of this season I will be doing nothing other than focusing on what more I can achieve here. The R5 is more than capable of scoring points and with that in mind I will be going to Hungary committed to fighting for another points finish.”