Australian distraction

01. Apr 2023

by Ziv Knoll

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After a promising first season in Formula 1 with Minardi and a miraculous fifth place at the 2002 season opener Australian Grand Prix, two teams, Toyota and Jaguar, were interested in Australian Mark Webber. He then decided to move to the Jaguar squad for the 2003 and 2004 championships.

Picture above: Mark Webber seems distracted by a pretty grid girl, moments before the start of the 2003 Australian Grand Prix. Jenson Button and David Coulthard behind him, seem to not noticing her (but this is unlikely, knowing these two fellows!).

Qualifying was an all Ferrari affair, with Michael Schumacher ahead of team mate Rubens Barrichello, Button (BAR-Honda) in 8th, Coulthard (McLaren-Mercedes) in 11th, and Webber (Jaguar-Cosworth) in 14th.

After an eventful race, David Coulthard (McLaren) won what turned out to be his thirteenth and last race victory. Mark Webber, on home soil, could not delight his fans with a great performance. He was forced to retire his Jaguar on lap 15, when his suspension broke (picture below).