Sub-zero Webber confident for return

Mark Webber

(GMM) Mark Webber is using a cryogenic chamber and sub-zero therapy as a tool to returning to full fitness ahead of the 2009 world championship.

The Australian, who badly broke the two bones in his lower right leg in late November, is scheduled to return to the cockpit of his Red Bull next week.

It emerged on Tuesday that part of his accelerated rehabilitation program has been standing in temperatures of an incredible minus-130 degrees for three minutes at a time.

"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," the 32-year-old said.

Webber claims his February return is still due to take place, but is realistic about the rigors of action in a F1 cockpit.

"Driving is not like playing tennis. A tennis player can practice 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," said Webber, who did some karting in Austria recently.

He insists he will be fit for the first race of the season in March.

"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," said Webber.