Mark Webber is set to play a key role in the development of future Porsche models following his involvement with the 2018 911 GT2 RS.
Speaking to Drive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the former Formula One race winner and 2015 World Endurance Champion said he pleaded with Porsche to be involved with the new GT2 RS, having owned the previous-generation model.
“I was ringing up, I was pretty aggressive to get involved with the guys – I knew this was coming, The Nordschleife work was very important to lay the foundations for me to understand the car on the limit in very testing conditions which the Nordschleife throws at you. I got both ends of the envelope for the car very quickly and then worked with the guys… to find small things we could have a look at and work on. It was fun, really enjoyable and very different to racing. We’re very happy with the finished product,” he said.
Expanding on what his future holds at Porsche after his racing retirement last year, Webber said development work won’t be his full-time gig, but that it is natural to help test and develop track-oriented cars.
“It’s definitely not my full-time job, far from that. With Porsche I have many opportunities to do different projects and obviously to have an interface with the road car is clearly one avenue,” the Australian said.
Based on its figures alone, the GT2 RS appears to have been the perfect stepping stone for Webber to move into the world of vehicle development and testing. With 690 hp on tap, it is the most powerful road-going 911 ever and promises to be absolutely ferocious on a racetrack.
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