Australia's own racing driver, Mark Webber, is on the path to Formula One success.
It was announced earlier today that Webber will become Benetton's official test driver for the 2001 season after successfully testing for their Formula One team at the end of the 2000 season.
Foster's congratulates Webber, who, at only 24 years of age, will next season be one step closer to realising his dream of becoming a Formula One driver.
Foster's enjoys a long-term sponsorship agreement with the Australian driver that began in his successful F3000 debut season, and is looking forward to supporting Webber in his bid to become a Formula One champion.
An impressive first season of Formula 3000 racing saw Webber placed third overall, and the young racing driver feels more than ready to tackle the faster Formula One cars.
"It is an honour to be selected to this top international team. I've enjoyed the year with Arrows racing F3000, but am confident that I am ready to take on new challenges," Mark Webber said.
"Testing for Benetton is a great opportunity for me to get some mileage and experience in a Formula One car, and I'll be learning a lot from working with a top team."
"I'm also really looking forward to contesting the F3000 championship title next year so I can keep my racing skills honed."
Managing Director, Foster's Brewing International, Rick Scully said, "Foster's sends a hearty congratulations to Mark Webber, who I'm confident will be Australia's next Formula One driver. Foster's sponsorship of this fine young driver has given us the opportunity to further extend our support of the world's most watched sport, and do something really worthwhile for this talented individual. Mark is working hard to break into Formula One, and we're sure he'll succeed.
"Mark has proven his worth in many driving disciplines including a third overall in his debut F3000 season this year. We look forward to offering our continued sponsorship to him and following his success in Formula One."
Foster's has a strong relationship with Grand Prix racing which includes a worldwide long-term sponsorship deal as an Official Sponsor of Grand Prix. The agreement includes international signage packages, extensive pouring rights - including official pouring rights at the Paddock Club at every Grand Prix, and naming rights to the British and Belgian Grands Prix.
"We are proud to be associated with a driver of Mark's calibre. I have no doubt he will commit himself to Formula One driving with the same motivation, dedication and tenacity that has been characteristic of his distinguished racing career," Rick Scully said.
Further information:
Dianne Silberberg
Tel: +61 3 9633 2249
Mob: 0418 266 327
Email: dianne.silberberg@fostersgroup.com
