Formula One driver Webber injured in bike crash

Nov 22, 2008 - 7:52 PM By PA SportsTicker

Formula One driver Mark Webber could miss the whole of Red Bull Racing's winter testing program after breaking his leg during a charity bike race in his native Australia.

The British-based driver was seriously injured after he collided with a car while riding his mountain bike as the 32-year-old competed in his own charity event on the Australian island of Tasmania.

Webber was airlifted to hospital where he underwent surgery on the injured leg.

"Mark was treated immediately at the scene by event medical staff before being transferred to a Tasmanian hospital where a rod was inserted in his right leg," a statement on Webber's personal web site read. "The surgery was a success. ... Mark suffered no other injuries from the accident, other than some bruising and a scratch on his left arm."

Webber, who was taking part in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a 250-kilometer endurance event consisting of mountain bike riding, kayaking and trekking, could now be forced to go into next year's Formula One season without taking part in valuable preseason testing with new teammate Sebastian Vettel.

He will also have to rehab quickly to be fit in time for the opening round of the 2009 season in his native Australia.