And those money problems could have left Power out of single-seater racing for the rest of his life hadn't it been for his countryman Mark Webber, at that time an F1 driver for Jaguar. Seeing how determined his fellow Aussie was to continue his career in racing, Webber contributed to his budget for the upcoming 2005 season (in the World Series by Renault) while also introducing him to Minardi's Paul Stoddart and other key figures in the world of racing.
It seems that Webber even accepted to live with Power for a while, and at the same time offered a job to the latter's girlfriend (even now, she's working in Webber's management office).
“I can't tell you exactly why he helped me out, but if he didn't think it was worth it, he wouldn't have. When I am well established and in a strong place financially, I would like to help someone out too,” admits Power, 6 years after his financially struggling year in motor racing.
Webber, on the other hand, admitted that helping out someone in the world of racing is something he wanted to do ever since he was himself on the verge of terminating his career due to lack of money. Back in the '90s, it was Australian rugby player David Campese who practically offered $100,000 on a silver plate to Webber (in the form of a loan) so he could continue his career out of F3.
“It was a make-or-break time for him but I could see how determined he (Power) was not to give up and go home,” Webber was quoted as saying to the Canadian Globe and Mail newspaper.
“You can have all the talent in the world, but you need to get yourself in a position where you can prove it on a world stage and get the right people to take notice. I was fortunate enough to have a few key people support me just at the right time - like David Campese - to keep my dream alive, so when I was in a position to do the same for someone else, I did,” added the 33-year old Red Bull driver.
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