Webber recovery ahead of schedule

Share

Driver Mark Webber says his recovery from a broken leg is "ahead of schedule" as he prepares for the start of the new Formula One season.

Red Bull will launch their 2009 car in Jerez on 9 February and Webber expects to be fit enough to test that week.

The Australian has been using a cryogenic chamber to aid his recovery.

"The results over the last few weeks have been incredible. Dare I say it, we're probably a little bit ahead of schedule," he told Red Bull's website.

Webber broke his right leg in November when he collided head-on with a car while riding a bike at his own charity event in Tasmania.

The 32-year-old has been working intensely to get strength back in his leg and as well as improving his fitness in the pool and on a static bike, he has been using a cryogenic chamber to help knit the broken bones together.

"I've been doing it for three weeks now," explained Webber, who is also a BBC Sport columist.

"You go from a normal, ambient room temperature into a chamber of -50 C for about 30 seconds and then for another three minutes into -130 C.

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."

Webber insists Red Bull's first test of 2009 in Jerez next week is his main focus, not his home GP in Melbourne on 29 March, which will launch the new F1 season.

With the experienced Webber sidelined, the team have been relying on new recruit Sebastian Vettel to guide them in developing the car.

But Webber is determined to play his part as fully as possible when the RB5 makes its track debut in Spain.

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

"I'm not focusing on Melbourne as such, I'm focusing on Jerez.

"There's been some stuff in the press that I won't be 100% fit for Melbourne. I will be 100% ready to do my job."