Maria Sharapova was driven to the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party by Porsche Le Mans Driver Mark Webber.

The car selected for her was the most efficient and powerful Porsche road car, the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder. The car with a top speed of 214mph and 0-60 in 2.5 seconds was just the ticket for exemption from #CCLondon. The Porsche 918 Spyder develops 608hp from its V8 petrol engine, using other hybrid technologies it then combines the use of the engine with two electric motors to give 887 hp in total power.

Porsche are a partner of Wimbledon this year and the event was assisted with the support of other models including the Panamera and Macan. These were used to drive players to the Kensington Roof Gardens which was the venue.

Being driven in the most powerful Porsche road car, by one of the world’s fastest chauffeurs, was an experience savoured by Sharapova. She commented: “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 the Porsche World Endurance Championship driver said: “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!”