Formula One:Australian F1 driver Mark Webber was seriously injured today after he collided with a car while riding his bike, Australian police said. The 32-year-old was competing in his own charity event on the Australian island of Tasmania when he collided head-on with a car.
Tasmania police said Webber was airlifted to hospital where he is being treated for a broken leg and other injuries. His condition is believed to be serious but not life-threatening.
The accident happened on a remote road south east of the capital city Hobart at about 12.40pm local time, police said.
Webber was taking part in the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a 250-kilometre endurance event consisting of mountain bike riding, kayaking and trekking.
Sergeant Jon Ford, of Tasmania Police, said: "At 12.40pm we received reports of a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle on the Fortescue Bay Road on the Tasman Peninsula.
"The collision was initially attended by paramedics attached to the event. He (Webber) was airlifted from the scene by helicopter and taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital where he is now being treated for serious but not life-threatening injuries.
"He suffered a broken leg and other injuries and is reported to be in a stable condition."
The accident happened on the fourth day of the five-day challenge which was being contested on open public roads.
Webber, who drives a Megane Renaultsport 230 for the Redbull team, finished 9th in the Brazilian Grand Prix earlier this month and 11th overall in the World Championship.