Mark Webber takes time out with Niall Breen

Irish Formula 1 aspirant, Niall Breen, took some tips on climbing the motorsport ladder when he met up with Red Bull Renault Racing's Mark Webber at Silverstone on Thursday before Sunday's British Grand Prix.

Dundalk's Breen, who is sponsored by Bar One Racing, won his first Lloyds Insurance British Formula 3 race at Snetterton with Carlin Motorsport last month. The rookie will be bidding for race win number two on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit next Sunday, July 15.

When he met up with the affable Australian Formula 1 driver, they chatted for while. Webber said: 'Niall's a great kid and I'll be happy to have a word about him to one of the GP2 bosses for a drive for next year.'

Twenty-one year old Breen, who is currently fourth in the Lloyds TSB Insurance British Formula 3 Championship, said: 'Mark's a brilliant guy, very down to earth and he was so helpful. He gave me valuable time despite having such a busy schedule at Silverstone and I really appreciate the interest he took in me.'