Red Bull Racing have confirmed rumours that they have signed Mark Webber onto a one year contract extension which see’s him tied to the current championship leading team until the end of 2011.

Webber had been linked with a move to Ferrari or Renault following his recent good form, and incidents with team mate Sebastian Vettel, who is contracted to the team until 2012 although that may be extended until 2015. Vettel and Webber’s fraught relationship came to a head in Turkey where the pair ran into each other causing Vettel to retire from the race, the team were on for a 1-2 finish.

“It was an easy decision to remain with Red Bull Racing. We began talking very early this year and were in a position to sign by the Barcelona Grand Prix.

“The decision to extend for a further year was a mutual one; it’s widely known that I’m not interested in hanging around in Formula 1 just for the sake of it and at this stage of my career, I’m happy to take one year at a time.” Webber said this morning.

“I continue to feel very comfortable here – I have a fantastic relationship with the whole team and the factory at Milton Keynes feels like home. It’s been incredible to be part of the team as it’s moved forward from a mid-field competitor to one that is challenging for the Championship.

“I hope we experience more success together in the future and achieve our ultimate goal of winning the world championship.”

Team principal Christian Horner added: “The decision to retain Mark was very straightforward. He is an important member of our team and is currently in the best form of his career, as the current leader of the drivers’ championship. The team is extremely happy that the driver pairing of Mark and Sebastian will remain unchanged for a third season in 2011.”

Ferrari now hold the cards to change the driver market, but it looks likely they will retain Felipe Massa and Renault will retain Robert Kubica.

F1 Fanatics