Crump thanks Webber

World champion Jason Crump has paid tribute to Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber and his Red Bull team for their help in keeping his title bid on track.

The 34-year-old suffered serious upper arm injuries in an horrific spill while racing for Elite League side Belle Vue last September.

Crump's crash nearly cost him his third world championship and initial medical reports suggested he would not be ready to return to the track until June.

But after some help from the Red Bull treatment centre and a winter of furious rehabilitation, the Aussie legend dumbfounded the doctors by starting the season.

He won the opening round of the GP series in Poland and is currently third in the overall standings after six of 11 rounds.

Crump admits the support he has received from good friend Webber and his team has played a vital role in his recovery.

He told the Red Bull Racing official website: "Mark's been brilliant, as have the boys at the factory. Speedway riders don't run on Formula One budgets, so Red Bull Racing's help has been great - as have all the guys at Red Bull."

Not only did the team help Crump get the right treatment, they also adapted his machine to reduce the vibration he was feeling through the handlebars and make him more comfortable on the bike.

Red Bull's reliability engineer Wayne Greedy explained: "Having seen the pain Jason went through last year to finish the season and take the title, we felt honoured to help relieve the discomfort he is going through while still recovering from the injury."

Crump was second in last Saturday night's British Grand Prix behind compatriot Chris Holder. A day later, Crump saw Webber win the British F1 event at Silverstone.