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Webber Aims for January Return

Mark Webber is very keen to return to the track as soon as possible ahead in 2009. Following the injuries suffered on his right leg after a cycling accident in mid-November, the Australian lost any chance of testing for Red Bull Racing in the off season, at Barcelona and Jerez. Therefore, his aim for early 2009 is to get back in the cockpit and get to test the new updates ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

“I want to be testing at the beginning of February. I can't push it too much because the swelling will come back. It could have been much worse. I was lucky it was the right leg, which is not working too hard in the car. The most important thing is that I get the feeling back,” Webber was quoted as saying to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

However, his desired on-track return might not happen in February. And that's not because of his leg injury or health-related issues, but because of Red Bull's financial problems. Media reports have emerged late last month regarding a presumed late launch of the 2009 machineries for both teams financially backed by Red Bull, RBR and Toro Rosso.

The news came from Toro Rosso's wannabe – and most probably official racing driver for 2009 – Sebastien Buemi, who revealed for French newspaper L'Equipe that the two teams are likely to unveil their 2009 cars in early March in an effort to cut costs ahead of their new F1 campaign. However, Red Bull officials refused to comment on the matter.

Despite using different engines for 2009, both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso will be benefiting from the same aerodynamic package for next season, as Red Bull's owner Dietrich Mateschitz has already secured full ownership over Scuderia Toro Rosso after the 2008 season.

According to Webber, his rehabilitation program – including swimming and several types of leg exercises – will allow him to be up for the job from as early as the 3rd week of January. However, Red Bull have not announced their presence for this month's Algarve test in Portugal, due to get under way on January 19.
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