With not much happening in the Formula 1 world except testing and speculation about driver lineups, the news that Mark Webber broke his leg was all that's happening in the F1 world.
The news isn't all bad though. Red Bull expect him to be on the grid in OZ in March.
Red Bull expect a fighting fit Webber
Mark Webber and Red Bull Racing expect their No. 1 driver to recover from the injuries he sustained in a road accident on Saturday by the start of next season.
Webber broke his right leg after a head-on collision with a 4x4 vehicle while riding a mountain bike in his multi-sport charity event in Tasmania.
The 32-year-old Australian has already had surgery on the broken limb, which was a success and is expected to return to his Buckinghamshire home within the next week.
Red Bull believes the lengthy rehabilitation period will sideline Webber from winter testing. This is a major setback, given the need to adapt to the very different 2009 cars.
However, the team is confident that their man will be fit in time for his home Grand Prix in Melbourne at the end of next March, the opening round of the ’09 season.
"He 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," RBR said.
"The surgery was a success.
"Mark will remain in Tasmania for a few days before continuing his recovery in the UK.
"While it looks like he’s out of the winter testing programme, we fully expect Mark to make the starting grid in Melbourne next March fit and well.
"Mark has said he’s relieved to know the driver of the motor vehicle was uninjured and expressed his thanks [for] the many well-wishes from family, friends and supporters.
"Everyone at Red Bull Racing would like to add their best wishes to Mark and hope for his speedy recovery."
Webber will also have to cancel his plans to compete in December’s Race of Champions event at Wembley Stadium, something the Aussie was looking forward to, but fitness is now the main aim for March.
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