London - Mark Webber is confident of recovering from a leg fracture in time for the first pre-season tests at his Red Bull Formula One team in February, the BBC said on Thursday.

"I'm aiming to drive the car at the first test," the Australian Webber told BBC Sport.

Webber fractured bones his lower right leg on Saturday in a mountain bike accident. He said he was learning to walk on crutches and hoped to be ready for the first tests scheduled for February 10.

However, Webber also said he would not be concerned if his return to the cockpit were delayed, given that the season does not start until March 29 with his home race in Melbourne.

"If I have to wait another week or 10 days for the sake of the whole season, then I will," said Webber.

"I will make sure I'm in the best shape I can be for the first race ... That's a long way away - it's the last week in March. That's when it counts for me."

Webber said he had faith in the testing skills of his new team-mate, rising German Sebastian Vettel whom he named "a youngster who has got his head totally screwed on."