Mark Webber feels the off-season in Australia has done him the world of good as he is now fully motivated ahead of the new campaign.
While his team-mate Sebastian Vettel swept his rivals aside en route to securing his second consecutive World Championship in 2011, Webber had to settle for a single race victory at the season-ending Brazilian GP.
The 35-year-old, though, took some time out in his native Australia during the break and is looking forward to his 11th season in Formula One.
"I feel refreshed," Webber told Autosport. "I feel extremely hungry and motivated for the new season.
"The Brazil tonic was very nice in many ways, but also to have the off-season in Australia, I haven't had that big a break in a long time. It was actually quite nice to do that.
"It's nice to be reminded that I enjoy going there for a break."
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also backed Webber to bounce back this year, saying the "spring in his step" is back.
"He has come back learner, lighter and enthused about F1 and the season ahead," said Horner.
"He seems to have a spring in his step and is looking forward to getting out there and going racing again, which is exactly the right attitude to be approaching the season with.
"Last year was a tough campaign for Mark, especially when his team-mate was performing at the level that Sebastian was, but he put in some fantastic drives and finished with a win in Brazil, which was the best tonic going into the off season."
