Official: Webber to leave F1 for Porsche

Mark Webber is retiring from formula one at the end of the year in order to drive for Porsche’s new Le Mans prototype programme in 2014 and beyond.

The popular and outspoken 36-year-old Australian has driven for Red Bull since 2007, and has more than 200 grands prix under his belt, including nine wins. 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen is the favourite to replace Webber at Red Bull.

"I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in Formula 1," Webber said in a statement.

"It’s an honour for me to join Porsche at its return to the top category in Le Mans and in the sports car World Endurance Championship and be part of the team.

"Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding technology and performance at the highest level.

"Porsche will undoubtedly set itself very high goals. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sportscars in the world."

Porsche’s board member for research and development Wolfgang Hatz added : "I’m very pleased to have secured Mark Webber for our LMP1 project as one of the best and most successful Formula 1 pilots of our time.

"Mark is without doubt one of the world’s best race drivers, he has experience at the Le Mans 24 hour race and on top of that he’s been a Porsche enthusiast for many years."

Porsche LMP1 programme chief Fritz Enzinger added: "I learned to appreciate Mark’s qualities when we were both involved in Formula 1.

"He is one of the best pilots I could imagine for our team. I’m absolutely delighted that we have such an experienced and fast regular driver onboard from 2014."