Speed Date
A tennis star meets a world champion endurance racer. They don’t sit down and chat about performance and success, but instead go out and practice serving and driving. A fast-paced encounter between Angelique Kerber and Mark Webber.
km 387–405
6. Munich
7. Oberschleißheim
They have calm dispositions and plenty of power. They know how to reach—and exceed—their limits. Neither seeks the limelight. But both attract it.
A clay court or a racetrack. Both would be perfect locations for a date between two world-class athletes, one in tennis and one in motorsports. Although one of the two, depending on the place, would be a little out of his or her depth. A violation of the rules of fair play, which we wouldn’t want to do. Yet the meeting is held under the motto of “performance.” A trip in the new Porsche 911 offers occasions for detours, such as a stop at an airstrip in the Bavarian town of Oberschleißheim on the northern edge of Munich. It has enough space for both high-speed slalom drives and powerful serves. The main protagonists are Angelique “Angie” Kerber and Mark “Aussie Grit” Webber. Two individuals who also stand for the qualities of the Porsche brand: athleticism, ambition, endurance, and performance. For their date they get the new 911, two hours of time, a runway, an asphalt helicopter landing pad, a portable tennis net, two rackets, and three balls. Not to mention a great many oohs and aahs. The rest of the story is told by the photos.
Warming up:
The look on your face when you’re in a car with someone who brakes much later than you would.
“Angelique is a great driver. But she could brake a little later and harder.” Mark Webber
Driver change:
Your smile when you’re sitting at the wheel next to a race-car driver who has no idea there’s a portable tennis net in the trunk.
“Driving a 911 always clears my mind. It’s totally relaxing for me.” Angelique Kerber
Slalom:
“A 911 is timeless. It’s impressive to see how Porsche has changed it subtly over the decades but kept it immediately recognizable as a 911, while equipping it with the latest technology,” says Mark Webber after a few quick runs on an obstacle course in the latest sports car from Zuffenhausen.“Of course I’m afraid of her serve. Everyone is.” Mark Webber
New sport:
The look on your face when you walk toward a tennis net with a Wimbledon champion, and she’s also brought a racket for you. Surprise!
And now come the oohs and aahs.
Receiving the serve:
Your pose when you’re about to receive a serve from a world-class player.
“His technique could be better, but he has great instincts and quick eyes.” Angelique Kerber
