Red Bull F1 Driver Mark Webber learns to fly

At last year’s European Grand Prix in Valencia, Mark Webber discovered that his RB6 literally had wings when he collided with the rear of Heikki Kovalainen’s Lotus during a passing maneuver. Such an experience would have left most of us rather partial to keeping our feet firmly planted on solid ground. But that’s not how F1 drivers are wired, especially the likeable Aussie racer Mark Webber.

Earlier today Mark spent time at Heathrow airport in the cockpit of a Qantas A380 with one of the airline’s training captains, after having expressed a genuine interest in flying (no doubt citing his unique experience in the free-fall variety..).

Webber‘s ambitions will see him transfer his skill set from the grid to the skies.

The scary collision between Mark Webber and Heikki Kovalainen in the 2010 European GP, which saw Mark’s car take to the air at over 195 mph. Thankfully Mark walked away bruised but otherwise unhurt

Qantas will provide mentoring support with one of the airline’s training pilots and time in the Qantas flight simulators, and will recommend an approved pilot training organisation in order for Mark to learn to fly. They are certain his driving skills and his excellent hand/eye coordination will put him in good stead in learning to fly an aircraft.

Webber stated that flying has been something that has always fascinated him; and having had the opportunity to fly over the Albert Park Formula One circuit in a Qantas B737 simulator earlier this year, he really wanted to fly an aircraft himself one day.

Looks like his wish has just been granted.

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