Webber: Injury won't hurt my career

Sunday 30th November 2008

Mark Webber is confident the broken leg he suffered last weekend won't hurt his F1 career in the long run.

The 32-year-old suffered a broken leg last Saturday when he crashed his mountain bike into a 4x4 Nissan while taking part in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmanian Challenge.

The Aussie underwent surgery to correct the break in his right leg and now faces a tough rehabilitation programme in order to be fit and ready for when the new F1 season starts in March.

But while Webber acknowledges that it won't be easy, the Red Bull Racing driver is confident his broken leg won't do long-term to his F1 career.

"Once my rehabilitation is complete, there will be no effect on my driving," he told Tasmania's Mercury newspaper.

"It doesn't affect my career much at all in the medium term. I've driven more than 100 grands prix and know exactly what's required to compete at that level.

"Going in to my eighth season, I'm looking forward to fighting for World Championship points from the word go."

He added: "I've been in touch with many people in my team, including team principal Christian Horner, (and) they've been really supportive and have also had major input into the rehabilitation programme.

"(And) Flavio (Briatore) is a terrific manager (who) I've worked with for almost nine years, and he is totally supportive of everything I do in terms of my Formula One preparation and racing."

The Aussie, who took his first steps on crutches earlier this weekend, also took the time to thank his well-wishers and all those at the Hobart hospital.

"I'm now looking forward to getting on to the next phase of my recovery in Melbourne over the next few weeks," he said.

"I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has either taken the trouble to visit me or send messages, cards and gifts.

"Thank you to all the medical staff at the Royal Hobart Private Hospital who have looked after me so well since my accident."

Your Comments

gvm0116

"Well, let's see about that, Webbo. come march next year, I'll park a 4X4 Nissan very near albert park where you can see it. Let's see if you've got the balls to manoeuvre around the circuit without you crashing again and breaking your leg

. hhehehe "

Ferrari27

"Good luck to Webbo, but time will tell: Schumacher broke a leg and went on to win 5 consecutive WDCs; Panis broke a leg and his career never really recovered."