Stars ‘love’ Porsche 918 Spyder

Racing driver Mark Webber chauffeurs tennis icon Maria Sharapova to top tennis party.

Mark Webber and Maria Sharapova arrived in style for the glamorous Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Pre-Wimbledon Party in London.

The works Porsche Le Mans driver drove Sharapova in a 918 Spyder – the most powerful Porsche road car and also the most efficient.

With a top speed of 214 mph and a blistering 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds, it’s also exempt from the London Congestion Charge thanks to its plug-in hybrid technology.

The 918 Spyder combines a 608hp 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine with two electric motors to provide 887hp total power.

Being driven by arguably the world’s fastest chauffeur was an experience savoured by Sharapova (a Porsche ambassador).

She said: “What a fantastic way to arrive at the party. To be in the fastest Porsche with a racing driver like Mark is amazing.

“And it’s great also to be driving in a city like London running only on electric power – it’s an unbelievable car!”

Webber added: “Having just driven the Porsche 919 Hybrid race car at Le Mans last weekend, I already know that this technology can produce incredible results.

“The 918 Spyder is the closest thing to a road-going version, and it’s just as amazing – especially as it can be driven into London for free. And of course it’s great fun to drive Maria around in it!”