Mark Webber to stay at Red Bull in 2011

Red Bull Racing has ended speculation by today announcing that Mark Webber’s contract has been extended and he will continue to drive for the team in 2011.

The announcement confirms the 2011 line-up for the team with Webber, who currently leads the Formula 1 World Championship, once again being joined by Sebastien Vettel, who is already contracted to the team for next year marking the third straight year the pair have line up alongside each other.

Webber, who will be starting his fifth successive season with Red Bull after joining from Williams at the end of 2006, said that the decision to remain with Red Bull was an easy one.

“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,” said Webber.

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

“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.”

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner indicated that the extension of Webber’s contract was pretty straightforward.

“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,” said Horner.