Webber has visited Porsche factory - report
Red Bull is not commenting
There is truth to reports Mark Webber is contemplating a switch from formula one to Le Mans-style racing with Porsche next year.
That is the claim on Monday of the major German newspaper Bild, who said negotiations between the famous Volkswagen-owned carmaker have already resulted in agreement about a three-year term.
Bild said Australian Webber, 36, has also already visited Porsche’s motor sport centre in Weissach, Germany, where the marque is "working on a project at formula one level".
The newspaper said financial terms have not yet been agreed, but that the deal is being led by Porsche executive Wolfgang Hatz, and involving Webber’s partner and manager Ann Neal.
Bild suggested the news about Porsche was leaked internationally by the Webber camp.
Red Bull is not commenting, but Bild said the main contenders for Webber’s seat next year are Kimi Raikkonen and Daniel Ricciardo.
In China at the weekend, Australian Ricciardo had the best weekend of his career, whilst driving for the Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso.