November 23, 2008

AUSTRALIAN Formula One driver Mark Webber has vowed to be back on his feet in time for the Grand Prix season after he was hit by a car while riding a bike in his own charity event.

Webber, 32, suffered a badly broken leg when when his mountain bike collided with a car in a head-on accident during the Mark Webber Challenge in Tasmania.

He was thrown to the gavel road, fracturing the tibia and fibula bones in his right leg.

Webber's race partner, City Homicide actor Daniel MacPherson, was riding with him but was not involved in the collision.

The super-fit Webber, who was competing in the challenge during the Formula One off-season, spent last night in the Royal Hobart Hospital after being flown by helicopter from an area near Port Arthur.

The Formula One season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 29.

One of Webber's managers, Geoff Donahue, said from Hobart he was determined to be ready to compete in time for the season opener.

Mr Donahue said he had spoken to Webber before the driver went into surgery.

"I am exceptionally confident he will be ready.

"He's an elite athlete and, as soon as he's out of surgery and can travel, he'll get the best of rehabilitation.

"We have no concerns about him racing next season.''

Webber had surgery last night to re-set his broken bones, and a rod is expected to be inserted in his leg.

He is likely to remain in hospital for another two or three days.

Mr Donahue said Webber was philosophical about the injury and was determined to begin rehabilitation and resume his fitness training as soon as possible.

"He's in surprisingly good spirits. He's keen to get back into his running, mountain-biking and kayaking as soon as possible, and getting back into doing the job for Red Bull again.''

Red Bull sponsors the Formula One team Webber drives for.

Webber had been competing on the second-last day of the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a 250km running, cycling and kayaking event across Tasmania to raise funds for charity, when the accident happened about 12.40pm.

Search and rescue officer Damian Bidgood said Webber had been riding on an unsealed road when he collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction.

Sgt Bidgood, who was volunteering as a rescue paramedic with the challenge, flew with Webber in the rescue helicopter from a property on the Tasman Peninsula to the Domain in Hobart, from where an ambulance took him to the Royal Hobart Hospital.

Witnesses said Webber had obviously broken both bones in his lower right leg, and his foot was twisted at an acute angle.

Paramedics wrapped him in a sleeping bag for warmth while they waited to transport him to safety.