Mark Webber stays with Red Bull Formula One team

RED Bull Racing has announced Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber has extended his contract by a further year until 2013.

RED Bull Racing has announced Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber has extended his contract by a further year until 2013.

The 35-year-old Webber, who won the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday, has nine GP wins since signing with Red Bull in 2007.

"I'm high on confidence at the moment and firing on all cylinders," Webber said in a statement. "I know the team well and I'm very comfortable here. We have grown together over the years and it feels like absolutely the right thing to stay with Red Bull for another season."

The Australian had been linked strongly with a move to Ferrari before last night's news.

The extension confirms the team's 2013 drivers' lineup because world champion Sebastian Vettel is also contracted.

Webber is second in the 2012 drivers' championship standings, 13 points behind Fernando Alonso of Ferrari.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said the Silverstone win was evidence Webber still had plenty to offer.

"Mark has driven very well in the first nine races of this season and his performance has been impressive," Horner said.

"Much of his Formula One success has been during his time with Red Bull Racing; together we have achieved 10 poles, nine wins and 31 podiums.

"As there was a strong desire from both sides to continue the partnership, it was a logical decision to extend our relationship."

AFP