Mark Webber will warm-up for the Australian Grand Prix, by driving his Williams-
BMW F1 car across Sydney Harbour Bridge on February 27, a week before the 2005 season commences in Melbourne, on March 6.
Webber is naturally enthusiastic about this unique event which has been dubbed 'Overdrive'.
"It's sure to be an incredible experience driving the BMW
Williams F1 Team car across one of the world's most famous and spectacular landmarks," he said.
"The Sydney Harbour Bridge is so instantly recognisable as Australia and so I can't think of a better appetiser for the following weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. For me, it's even more special as it's my home country and I'm very proud that we are able to stage such a spectacle to promote
Formula One, not just in Australia but around the world.
"I know a lot of people are coming up to Sydney from my home town of Queanbeyan to watch me drive across the bridge so it'll be great to be able to put a good show for them and the rest of the F1 fans before we get down to serious business in Melbourne."
Aside from flagging the start of Webber's career with Williams and curtain-raising the 2005 season, the bridge crossing is also being staged to send some serious messages about road safety.
"Safety comes first, second and third in Formula One, and while the racing might be fast, it is conducted in an environment where every safety consideration is given prominence," added Webber.
The crossing will take place on the morning of Sunday February 27 and will result in the world famous 53,000 tonne longspan bridge being closed to allow Sydney-siders to experience F1 on their doorsteps. The State Premier, Bob Carr, will flag the event off and it will be broadcast countrywide in Australia, and syndicated to television networks around the world, who are eager to witness F1 against the backdrop of Australia's most iconic landmark.
