Mark Webber says he has no concerns over his fitness after getting back behind the wheel for the start of pre-season testing in Spain.
The
Red Bull Racing driver underwent surgery during the winter to remove a metal rod from the leg he broke back in 2008.
The surgery had been factored into his off-season plans and having hit the track in the new RB9 on Tuesday, Webber said he was feeling good.
"I felt pretty comfortable pretty quickly," he was quoted as telling reporters by
Reuters. "The leg's no problem at all. I'm probably a little bit behind on condition but not much. I'll be ready to go for Melbourne, I'm clearly on target so that's all fine. I felt better in the car than I probably thought I would, actually.
"At one point it was a little bit stiff but it's normal. It will be fine. When the adrenalin's going, it's zero problems.”
Webber added that the metal rod had never been an issue while behind the wheel but said he didn't plan to 'go crazy' outside the car now it has been removed.
"It never affected me really when I was racing,” he said. “It affected me when I was doing other sports, to be fair. Maybe water-skiing or mountain biking.
"I knew it was not going to be beneficial to re-break my leg with the rod in there. Now I have it out I'm not going to be crazy but it's just peace of mind from the recreational point of view."