There has always been a long-standing debate between motorsports enthusiasts on which is the better premier racing category: MotoGP or Formula 1.
While Mark Webber hasn’t explicitly answered the question, he has previously had his say on which one is more difficult to adapt to after going from the other.
The former Formula 1 driver is an avid fan of the premier class of prototype motorcycle racing, having grown up in a family business that dealt in bikes.
He was prevented from pursuing a career in motorcycle racing, though, due to the dangers that it posed.
The Australian instead found his calling in four-wheeled racing and was one of the top drivers on the F1 grid for several years at the height of his career.
His adoration for the sport hasn’t subsided since, and he continues to be a spectator at many motorcycle Grands Prix with every passing year.
Mark Webber explained the ‘big challenge’ Formula 1 drivers have when racing motorcycles
During a 2020 column for Red Bull, Webber expressed his adoration of F1’s two-wheeled counterpart, MotoGP.
The nine-time Grand Prix winner has been surrounded by motorcycles his whole life, and has a lot of time for those who choose to chase the thrill in the high-adrenaline sport.
Webber also touched upon how difficult it is to adapt to motorcycle racing compared to on four wheels, due to the differences in braking techniques and racing lines.
He wrote, “I love the freedom of bikes; I love the independence. You feel connected to the elements. You soak it all up, and time flies.
“A big challenge for F1 drivers when they ride bikes at tracks is that we’re hard-wired to brake a lot later, because of all the downforce and grip you have with a Formula car.
“Adjusting to such a small contact patch and hardly any aerodynamics on a bike is really difficult. I’m full of admiration for what these guys do.
“From Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini and Barry Sheene to Mick Doohan.”
In fact, Hailwood is one of the few people to have competed in both the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing and Formula 1.
The Briton is a nine-time world champion on two wheels, but was unable to replicate his supreme pace on four.
Mark Webber also hailed Mick Doohan for his ‘extraordinary’ comeback from injury hell
Webber continued his appreciation for MotoGP’s legends by touching upon the journey that Mick Doohan had to go through before he became a premier class world champion.
The Australian was seriously injured at the 1992 Dutch TT and almost had his right leg amputated as a result of several complications that arose during his recovery.
He ended up suffering permanent damage to the limb and was forced to utilise a thumb-operated rear brake instead of the conventional pedal that all riders typically use.
However, instead of his form regressing following the setback, he rose to even greater heights than before. Doohan won the following five world championships and cemented his place in MotoGP history.
On the topic, Webber wrote, “What Mick went through was extraordinary. To be beaten up that hard, that often, to ride despite all the hurt and to do it again and again is amazing.
“You could say there’s an element of masochism in it, but he just wanted to win. Same with the current guys. I have a tremendous amount of admiration for all of them.”
About the Author
