Mark Webber says he felt “pretty emotional” before his final race stint before retiring from motorsport after Saturday’s FIA World Endurance Championship round in Bahrain.
Webber announced last month that he would be calling time on his 20-plus racing career following the 2016 season, making the WEC season finale in Bahrain his final race.
The ex-Formula 1 driver was given the honor of completing the final stint of the race in the no. 1 Porsche 919 Hybrid, crossing the line to finish third alongside teammates Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard.
“I was the second and the last driver in the car today, and pretty happy with both stints,” Webber said of his race.
“Early in the race I had a nice little fight with the number 5 Toyota. I managed to get passed him and tried to pull away, but we didn’t have enough pace to fight the Audi.
“Then for the final stint it was pretty emotional putting my helmet on for the last time. I enjoyed the last stint and I got the chance to bring the car to the checkered flag for the top three finish, and this was the maximum we could get today.
“It has been such an incredible three years for me with Porsche, together with Timo and Brendon and the whole team.
“Nothing is forever, I’m stopping at a good time and I’m looking forward to seeing everybody again soon.”
Webber will continue to work as a Porsche ambassador, as well as stepping up his commitments as an F1 TV pundit in the UK.