Grapevine: Webber to visit V8s down under

Webber will visit the Symmons Plains, Tasmania round along with other sporting stars, including current Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting and former Australian Test and one-day international cricketer Michael Bevan.

Although Webber has never raced in V8 Supercar, he admires what he sees when he is able to catch it on TV.

"What's absolutely clear whenever you watch V8 Supercars is just how competitive it is," Webber enthused.

"Of course, the Ford versus Holden rivalry is part of Australian motoring and sport folklore and this has played an important role in helping to shape and ensure the continuing success of the category.

"I haven't been to Symmons Plains for 10 years - the last time was when I raced Formula Fords there in '95 but of course I've been to Tasmania much more recently - in 2003 when we organized the Mark Webber Challenge.

With November a month clear of any Formula One races or testing, Webber is happy to have some free time where he doesn't have to worry about his own career too much.

"My schedule makes it very difficult to follow what's going on in any other category but I am looking forward to having a relaxing week watching everyone else do the work on-track! I'm sure the racing will be very, very tight with more than its fair share of spills and thrills," said Webber.

Webber's weekend will not just be about relaxing however, as after a press conference on Sunday morning he will commentate the second of the three V8 Supercar races with regular commentators Neil Crompton and Leigh Diffey.