I'm determined to make that first test - Webber

Mark Webber visited – on crutches - the Red Bull Racing Factory this week to catch up with the team for the first time since he broke his leg. Following his road accident in Australia in November last year, Mark is undergoing a strict physiotherapy regime and remains upbeat about his return to racing.

“I’m absolutely confident I will strike the right balance to be ready in time for Melbourne and I’m determined to make the test in Jerez,” said Webber who’s pencilled in to drive in the team’s first test of the year at the beginning of February.

We also gave him the messages of support which had come via the website from fans from as far afield as Australia, the UK, Lithuania and Japan. All wished him well and some even had hints on helping his recovery. He was particularly impressed with fan Sharon Simpson’s advice to use his cycling gloves to protect his hands while he was still using crutches. Good tip.

“The huge support has been absolutely phenomenal,” said Mark. “From Formula One fans in general and those that follow me, their well wishes are amazing.”

And some of the close friends who have been in touch are his fellow Aussie motorsport stars (who have also probably had their fair share of two-wheeled incidents): “People like Mick Doohan and Troy Bayliss have been great and rung me a few times to see how I’m getting on.”

Not so helpful has been the exceptionally cold British winter. “If it hadn’t been so cold I’d have been back out on my bike by now,” said Mark. “But I will definitely be riding my mountain bike before I get into a Formula One car.”