March 22, 2009

Australian Formula One star Mark Webber has revealed he will race in the Melbourne Grand Prix with a titanium rod in his leg.

In a brave comeback from injuries suffered in a horror accident late last year, Webber said he would drive with "metalwork" inside his mending leg to keep his dreams of winning his home grand prix alive.

Webber said fighting his way back from a broken leg and shoulder suffered in a freak collision in Tasmania in November was the hardest thing he had ever done. But the setback had motivated him to be fit in time for the Melbourne Grand Prix at all costs.

Webber had screws removed from his leg and shoulder days before stepping into his car for practice last month but said the rest would have to wait.

"I've still got a bit of metalwork in there," he said. "That will stay in there for the season now, I'm not in a position to take it out until the end of the year.

"Even then it still might not be ready in the off-season, so I've got to keep an eye on that."

Despite his rocky road to recovery, Webber declared himself fit and ready for his first race since he was hit by a car while riding a bike.

"I'd never really been injured in my life and I'm a pretty active bloke so the injuries slowed me down quite a lot," he said.

"It was constantly challenging because I was on crutches and I had a broken shoulder as well so there was lots of little hurdles along the way that were with me every part of the day. But they're well and truly gone."

Webber also revealed he drew inspiration from Australian

MotoGP legend Mick Doohan during the darkest hours of his rehabilitation, describing his ability to overcome injury as "phenomenal".

Webber flies into Australia on Sunday, spending time with his family in Queanbeyan before arriving in Melbourne.

Despite his injury battle, he said the thought of not competing in Melbourne never crossed his mind.

"I was always going to be there for Melbourne," he said.