Russian balloon record bid back on track

A Russian balloonist who wants to set a new world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe hopes to launch from a town in WA's Wheatbelt region later this week.

Steve Fossett was the first person to fly a helium/hot air balloon around the world non-stop in 2002, covering more than 30,000km in 13 days.

With Rozier balloon technology having improved markedly since then, 64-year-old Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov hopes to beat that record, setting out from the same WA town as the late American adventurer.

Mr Konyukhov planned to depart Northam at first light on Saturday but the launch was postponed due to bad weather conditions.

The Shire of Northam says details are yet to be confirmed but there may be a window of opportunity on Thursday.

Locals have been making Mr Konyukhov feel welcome in the meantime.

Aboriginal performer Shane Garlett performed a spirit chant to wish him luck on his journey and played the didgeridoo before giving one of the traditional instruments to the seasoned adventurer on Monday night.

Mr Konyukhov accomplished his first expedition at the age of 15, crossing the Sea of Azov in a row boat.

He's an artist, has written 17 books and is so far the only person in the world to have reached five extreme poles, including Mount Everest and the pole of inaccessibility in the Arctic Ocean.