Webber breaks leg after being hit by car

Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber underwent surgery to pin his broken right leg yesterday after being hit by a car while cycling in a multi-sport charity event in Tasmania.

Event director Geoff Donohue said the Red Bull driver was in good spirits despite his injuries and expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of the new season in Melbourne on March 29.

Red Bull said that the 32-year-old would return to Britain to continue his recovery but was likely to miss much of the European winter testing.

"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," the team added.

The Australian had also been due to take part in the Race of Champions event at London's Wembley Stadium next month.

"I chatted to him just before his operation and he's in really good spirits considering," Donohue said.

"He is already talking about his rehab program and how the challenge must go on."