Formula 1 rookie pays tribute to Campese
January 30, 2002

New Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber has openly thanked Wallaby legend David Campese for the part he played in his rise to the top.

Webber has spoken of how Campese had lent him 40,000 pounds in 1997 when he was a struggling driver in Formula 3.

Webber, 25, who will make his F1 bow at the Australian Grand prix at Albert Park, said he and Campese both came from the same town near Canberra.

"David and I both come from Queanbeyan and my father used to play rugby with his father, so we knew each other," Webber told AAP.

"David saw the potential when I was lying something like third in the British F3 series, but that I might have to stop racing so he came up with the money.

"He was a big help and so have the other sponsors who have supported me over the years. David is a big race fan and it`s great he will be there in Albert Park for the race this year."

Webber, who finished second to Britain`s Justin Wilson in the F3000 championship last year, earned the drive thanks to a consortium of Australian companies who will sponsor the Minardi team this year.

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