Webber drove with fractured rib. - Tue 29th Mar 2005
Mark Webber drove in the first two races of the new F1 season with a fractured rib, it has been revealed.
The Williams driver is fit to take part in this weekend's Bahrain GP after missing testing last week in Barcelona.
The Australian's partner and manager Ann Neal said: "He wanted a bit more time and asked Williams if he could rest, but he's fine now."
Neal said Webber had picked up the injury in pre-season testing in Spain after failing to warm up properly.
During testing in Valencia in February, he did an installation lap without performing his exercises before going out in the car.
Instead of getting out after that lap to allow mechanics to work on his car, he stayed in his seat.
"We think the cartilage was damaged then," said Neal. "He then went to test in Barcelona and the actual fracture happened there. "
Webber only realised the extent of the damage just before the Australian Grand Prix on 6 March, the first race of the season.
After experiencing discomfort, he went to hospital while visiting his parents near Canberra ahead of the Melbourne event.
Neal said Webber was given pain-killing injections before the race, adding: "He didn't want to make a fuss."
