It’s almost too obvious to state, but F1 drivers are notorious for being adrenaline junkies. Mark Webber is one of them, and was taking part in an adventure bike challenge in Tasmania when he had a serious accident on the penultimate day of the event.

The 32-year-old was speeding down a steep hill when he collided with a 4x4 on a narrow gravel track, after which he needed to be airlifted to hospital. Webber was then taken immediately into surgery where he had to have pins placed into his right leg.

Ironically the race, called the Mark Webber Challenge, is not only named after the Red Bull driver but is well and truly his own project, as he foots a large portion of the bill.

After 6 seasons in Formula 1, Webber was one of the first to confirm his 2009 seat when he renewed his contract with Red Bull Racing. However, such is the demand for peak physical fitness in F1, and with such a serious injury, it has brought into question whether Webber will be able to recover in time.

A statement on his website said that Webber is expected to be back for the first race of the season – his home Grand Prix in Melbourne, which takes place in March. The injury does mean, however, that he will miss out on winter testing – a vital part of the F1 off-season for both the car and the driver.

One can only imagine, then, that the Aussie will surround himself with some of the world’s best doctors and physiotherapists to help speed up his rehabilitation and get him back in the driving seat as soon as possible.