It was confirmed today that Mark Webber will bring together the most ubiquitous elements of Australian national life by combining perhaps the world’s most iconic landmark with sporting excellence. He will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a Williams BMW Formula One car on Sunday February 27, a week before the 2005 season commences at the Melbourne Grand Prix on March 6, 2005.

Webber is naturally enthusiastic about this unique event which has been dubbed ‘Overdrive’. He said, “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. 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.”

The harbour crossing in his home state will celebrate the promotion of Webber to Australia’s elite ranks of champion athletes, who dominate global sport from track & field to cricket, rugby and tennis, all of whom Webber will attempt to emulate with his new team in his pursuit for Australia’s first world championship title since Alan Jones’ success in 1980.

Aside from flagging the start of Webber's career with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team, and curtain-raising the 2005 Formula One 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," said 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 Sydneysiders to experience Formula One 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 Formula One against the backdrop of Australia’s most iconic landmark.

The 503m roadway through the bridge span is almost 50m wide, and normally carries eight lanes of traffic as well as two rail lines and foot and cycleways, and on February 27, will provide possibly the most spectacular venue ever for Mark Webber to conduct 30 minutes of demonstrations and crossings of Sydney harbour.

The bridge has been at the centre of Australia’s national consciousness since its opening in March 1932, and has been the centrepiece of many celebrations, including the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games. The Formula One bridge crossing will be another world class event in the heart of the world’s foremost sporting culture.

Please note:

The Bridge will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, for Webber's Overdrive, which will be run under strict safety conditions.

The best public viewing area will be Hickson Rd Reserve at The Rocks, where Network 10's live footage will be shown on a superscreen.

For general public transport information visit www.131500.com.au or call information line

For traffic, road closure and special event clearway information visit www.rta.nsw.gov.au/newsevents

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