Stoddart Pledges Support For Webber.

F3000 team boss Paul Stoddart has pledged to help Mark Webber reach Formula One, even if it means losing him from his own line-up.


The European Formula chief has vowed to match any Australian funding for the former Mercedes sportscar star in an attempt to get him into the top flight, and admitted that that may mean losing him from his Ledbury-based outfit as early as next season. Although it is unlikely that Webber could jump straight into F1 in 2000, despite a recent test with the Arrows team, Stoddart believes that the Australian's ability will eventually see him make it.


"I am really trying to make this happen for Mark," he said, "I am certain he has got what it takes and, if we can get him into F1, his talent will do the rest.


"It would be sad, though, if all the sponsorship money had to come from Europe. we have talked to good people in Australia, and there are others we are yet to talk to."


Although Melbourne promoter Ron Walker has hinted that there was backing available for any Australian hoping to break into F1, Webber already knows how hard it is to find funding in his homeland. Despite having the Australian version of Yellow Pages sponsor his junior formulae days, he has also seen a possible test drive with Jordan in 1999 evaporate because funding fell through.