MARK Webber, who announced this month he will retired from serious motor sport at the end of his current World Endurance Championship deal with Porsche in a couple of more races, has been quick to dismiss any interest in competing in the Bathurst 1000 – or any other touring car or sports car competition.

“I grew up with formula racing…that came from my dad who always said that the best drivers are in single seaters. His heroes were Jack Brabham, Jimmy Clark and Jackie Stewart. Dad would hitch hike for three hours to watch these guys race.

“So to drive a 1500 kilo touring car I think would be a pretty disappointing experience!“

He says he owes it to his mother Diane and wife Ann to walk away from motorsport and enjoy a quieter life.