Coulthard admitted that he is also eager to follow the progress made by his replacement Sebastian Vettel – who, aged just 21 years and 74 days, became F1's youngest-ever winner when he superbly triumphed in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza back in September – and he is adamant that Webber's leg-breaking mountain-biking accident during his annual charity Pure Tasmania outdoor adventure challenge before Christmas will not impact negatively upon the Aussie's season.

“Sebastian is a great young driver,” he enthused, “and I'm looking forward to observing from the outside just what that talent is.

“The new car wasn't due to run until February anyway, so yes Mark will miss out on a little bit of stuff in January, but honestly, he's quality, so he won't have a problem getting back up-to-speed when he drives the car in February.”

“If it was the left leg, where you really need the strength for braking, I would be a lot more concerned,” Coulthard added, speaking to itv.com, “but the right leg isn't a big deal.

“I don't see it as a set back at all. If anything, Mark will use the time – because he'll be less mobile – to be more efficient and focus on the year ahead.”

by Russell Atkins

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