THEY made careers out of zooming around racetracks at over 200 miles per hour and zig-zagging the globe, but ex-Formula One drivers David Coulthard and Mark Webber negotiated Mid Wales at a rather more sedate pace this week.

The Scotsman and Australian patrolled picturesque Powys on two wheels rather than four, along with a group of friends – among them another Aussie in former motorcycle road racing world champion Mick Doohan and ex-F1 driver and now commentator Martin Brundle – taking in the delights of the Elan Valley as well as making a few pit stops along the way too.

One of those stops saw the duo – who raced together during their decorated careers at Red Bull and who now both commentate on the sport for Channel 4 – enjoy a slice of cake and cup of tea at Penbont House, a popular bed and breakfast with tea rooms, located just outside Rhayader.

Then it was off to explore the stunning local scenery, including riding off-road past the Elan Valley’s list of famous reservoirs. Pictures on Webber’s social media placed the gang at the Claerwen dam and near the Teifi pools which can take you all the way to Pontrhydfendigaid and eventually Aberystwyth. One video even showed one of the riders getting their bike stuck – but there was no pit crew in site to assist.

County Times: Pictures from Mark Webber's Instagram Stories - showing the Elan Valley in all its glory Pictures from Mark Webber's Instagram Stories - showing the Elan Valley in all its glory

Welsh people often refer to their homeland as ‘God’s Country’ and in one picture shared on his Instagram stories, Webber – who hails from the New South Wales region of Australia – posted a snap of the group with the Claerwen dam in the background, aptly accompanied by famous Swedish DJ Avicii’s song ‘Heaven’.

Webber finished third three times in the Formula One World Championship and won eight races during his 11-year career, while Coulthard, 50, won 13 races and finished runner-up behind champion Michael Schumacher in 2001.

The duo took time to pose with fans and customers at Penbont House, including hard-working chefs

Anne Oakley and Carolyn Rowlands – who were almost too busy to stop and ask for a snap.

“They enjoyed their tea and cake, they were just about to leave and we asked to have a photo with them,” said Anne.

Coulthard told staff the group were just visiting the area for a spin and were reportedly staying in the Mumbles area of Swansea on Wednesday night. The gang were also spotted in Builth Wells on Tuesday.