Mark Webber defends injury decision

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Mark Webber is adamant the fractured shoulder he sustained towards the end of the Formula One season did not impact on his failed title bid.

Earlier this week Webber revealed in his book looking back on his championship challenge that he drove in the final four races with the injury, which he picked up via another mountain bike accident prior to the Japanese Grand Prix.

Webber has admitted he required a painkilling cortisone injection to see him through the race at Suzuka in which he finished second to Red Bull Racing team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

Despite leading the championship going into that race, the 34-year -old eventually finished third in the standings behind Fernando Alonso and title-winner Vettel.

Team principal Christian Horner yesterday expressed disappointment with Webber for failing to inform him of the injury.

Despite that, Webber has today defended his actions as he said: "I was very confident it wouldn't affect my performance in the car, which is why I didn't tell anyone.

"There was no need. The shoulder wasn't causing me a problem, so there was no need to talk about it to anyone.

"If I'd had any issues with it in the car, then of course I would have told the team. But that wasn't the case.

"I've never missed a grand prix, but of course if I couldn't drive the car a) safely and b) on the limit, I would have notified the team."

Explaining his reasoning for making the revelation in the book, speaking on his personal website Webber added: "It's what the book is all about.

"I didn't sit down after the season had finished with hindsight goggles on and pick and choose what went into it.

"We did it at the time after each race. The injury is something that happened to me, it was part of my journey this season, so that's why it's in there."