Mark is the only news story in town ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix. This morning he announced his decision to leave Formula One at the end of this year, and he’s been the focus of media attention ever since. First up was the FIA press conference.

“The timing is perfect for me,” said Mark. “I’m starting a new chapter in my career with Porsche, one of the most respected brands in the world, and I’m very excited about it. There are big regulation changes in F1 next year and I feel that I might as well make big changes where my future lies.

“I’ll miss racing against guys like Fernando [Alonso] and Lewis [Hamilton], and I’ll miss the moment when the guys walk away from the car on the grid. That’s the best legal drug you can get. But you’re not 25 forever and it’s important to make the decision to move on at the right time, when you’re still performing at the top.”

Everyone wanted a slice of Mark, but he had to switch his focus to the British Grand Prix as well. This is a race that he’s won twice before, most recently last year, and he’s had a run of four consecutive podium finishes at the track.

“This is certainly a happy hunting ground for me,” says Mark. “I’ve had a lot of success here, both in F1 and in the junior categories, and Silverstone is one of the best circuits on the calendar from a driver’s perspective. Red Bull have been very quick here for the last few years and this year’s RB9 is a good platform from which to work.

“But I expect us to have some opposition this weekend. Fernando was very strong in Shanghai and Barcelona, and those circuits aren’t dissimilar to Silverstone. The fast corners will also be an acid test for the tyres and it’s going to be important to make sure you’re competitive in the last stint of the race.”

What also makes the British Grand Prix special is the fact that Mark can commute to Silverstone from his home near Aylesbury. That makes this his home-from-home race!

“Staying at home certainly gives the weekend a different pace to any other race,” says Mark. “I can walk the dogs on race morning, before heading to work. That’s pretty special.”

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