2015 FIA World Endurance Drivers’ Champion Mark Webber has announced that he will retire from professional racing at the end of the 2016 season to become a Porsche special representative. The 6 Hours of Bahrain on November 19 will be the last time that Webber will compete as a works driver for the German manufacturer. The nine time Formula One winner will represent Porsche at global events and as a consultant will contribute by lending his experience to the motorsport programmes of the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart.

"I have arrived where I belong", says Mark Webber. "Porsche is the brand I always loved most and the one that suits me the best. The 911 is iconic – it has got elegance, performance and understatement, and is never intrusive. It is just the right car for every scenario." He continues: "I will miss the sheer speed, downforce and competition, but I want to leave on a high and I’m very much looking forward to my new tasks."

Mark Webber has no need to quit his professional racing career. His lap times still top the time-sheets, he remains fit, his experience is priceless and his relationship with his teammates has bonded into lasting friendships. Webber always knew what he wanted after his successful Formula One career. "It was a big change from Formula One to LMP1 and an entirely new experience. But it came at the right time for me. I found I liked sharing a car and the chemistry between Timo (Bernhard), Brendon (Hartley) and me is special and something I’ll always remember. It will be strange getting into the race car for the very last time in Bahrain but for now I will thoroughly enjoy every moment of the remaining races."