Aussie F1 star to lead fundraising for injured Kiwi

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TORPEDO: Mark Webber plans to torpedo teammate Sebastian Vettel's Formula One title hopes.

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INJURED: Kiwi motor-racing driver Chris van der Drift.

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Formula One world title contender Mark Webber is leading a fund-raising effort to help New Zealander Chris Van der Drift recover from an horrific crash at Brands Hatch this month.

The Australian, who broke his leg in a 2008 cycling accident and this season walked away from a spectacular crash in Valencia when his Red Bull lifted high into the air, will join young racers at a two-hour karting endurance event in Milton Keynes on Tuesday.

Former Formula Master, Formula BMW and Formula Renault champion Van der Drift, 24, broke his right ankle, cracked his shoulder and suffered two broken fingers when he hit a bridge post at 252kmh, hitting an overhead bridge and bursting into flames. Now recovering, he requires funds for specialist treatment.

"It's really humbling to see so many good friends from within the industry support me through this difficult period," Van der Drift said in a statement.

"I am really looking forward to the kart fundraiser. I am sure it will be a fantastic event and I really cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts."

Other drivers at the fundraiser include compatriot Brendon Hartley, Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull Formula test driver), Alexander Sims (F3 Euroseries), Jean-Eric Vergne (British F3), Oli Webb (British F3) and Tom Blomqvist (FRenaultUK).

- NZPA