February 05, 2009

FORMULA One star Mark Webber has subjected himself to biting temperatures as low as -90 degrees Celsius in a bid to speed up his recovery from injury.

The Australian is convinced the radical healing process - involving cryogenic treatment - has put him ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.

Webber, 32, broke his leg in a collision with a car during his Tasmania charity challenge cycling event last November.

He has been racing to be fit for pre-season testing but is confident he will be fully prepared to drive in next month's season-opening Grand Prix at Albert Park.

The late launch of the new Red Bull car, slated for release in Jerez, Spain, next week, has given him some extra time to prepare to test his leg in the cockpit.

Webber believes his new recovery program will be instrumental in helping him catch up on lost time.

"The results over the last few weeks have been incredible," Webber told the Red Bull Racing website.

"We had a really good week last week, so we're really positive ... dare I say it, we're probably a little bit ahead of schedule."

Webber has to endure freezing temperatures in a special cold chamber for set periods of time under the plan.

"I've been doing it for three weeks now," he said. "You go from a normal, ambient room temperature into a chamber of -50F (-45C) for about 30 seconds and then for another three minutes into -130F (-90C).

"It's very good for your general well-being, your immune system and apparently it's good for cellulite. Not much of a worry for me ... but it's very good for the whole body."

However, he admits the final test of his fitness will be when he drives the car.

"Driving is not like playing tennis," he said. "A tennis player can practise before actually playing a game.

"I need to get in the car and go and do it to find out about things like the vibration jolts. Although I may do some karting beforehand."

Webber also strongly rejected reports he would not be completely ready to drive at Albert Park.

"I've really worked hard to get in this position," he said.

"There's been some stuff in the press that I won't be 100 per cent fit for Melbourne which pissed me off.

"I will be 100 per cent ready to do my job."