SYDNEY - Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber broke his leg after being hit head-on by a car while competing in a multi-sport charity event in Tasmania, police said Saturday.

Webber, 32, who drives for the Red Bull team, was cycling near Port Arthur in southern Tasmania when the collision happened just after midday, police said.

A member of the rescue team, police sergeant Damien Bidgood, said the incident appeared to have been an unfortunate accident, and reports said Webber had been airlifted to Royal Hobart Hospital.

Event organiser Geoff Donohue said Webber was in good spirits but will stay in hospital for about three days.

"They'll be inserting a rod this afternoon to hold that (leg) in position. He will have the best rehabilitation, so it's a little early," he said.

Reports said the mishap is likely to keep Webber out of action for at least six weeks.

Webber was competing in his own charity event, the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge, a 250-kilometre (155-mile) challenge using mountain bikes, kayaks and trekking, when the accident happened, police said.

Webber has had two podium finishes in 121 F1 starts since his debut in the 2002 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The male driver of the car escaped injury, police said.