Mark Webber helped keep a fellow Australian’s racing career alive.<\/p>\n
29-year-old Will Power, who tested a Minardi late in 2004, hit had hit rock-bottom earlier that year.<\/p>\n
He met the then Jaguar driver Webber at Silverstone in 2004, where Power was sitting out the British F3 race after running out of sponsorship money.<\/p>\n
“It was a make-or-break time for him but I could see how determined he was not to give up and go home,” Webber is quoted as recalling in a report by the Canadian Globe and Mail newspaper.<\/p>\n
During Webber’s formative career, he also ran out of money whilst competing in F3 in the 90s, and was bailed out with a $100,000 loan by Australian rugby player David Campese.<\/p>\n
“You can have all the talent in the world,” said the 33-year-old Red Bull driver, “but you need to get yourself in a position where you can prove it on a world stage and get the right people to take notice.<\/p>\n
“I was fortunate enough to have a few key people support me just at the right time – like David Campese – to keep my dream alive, so when I was in a position to do the same for someone else, I did,” added Webber.<\/p>\n
Power was introduced to Minardi’s Paul Stoddart and other key figures, and Webber contributed to his budget for the 2005 Renault World Series.<\/p>\n
He also lived with Webber for a time in the UK, and Power’s girlfriend still works in Webber’s management office.<\/p>\n
Power progressed to Champ Cars, and now leads America’s premier open wheel series Indycar.<\/p>\n
“I can’t tell you exactly why he helped me out, but if he didn’t think it was worth it, he wouldn’t have,” said Power.<\/p>\n
“When I am well established and in a strong place financially, I would like to help someone out too,” he added.<\/p>\n
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