Red Bull extends Webber's contract

Mark Webber will remain with Red Bull Racing in 2011 after agreeing terms for another one-year extension of his deal

The team confirmed the Australian's new contract on Monday morning, just one week after his controversial collision with team-mate Sebastian Vettel at the Turkish Grand Prix.

AUTOSPORT revealed after the Monaco Grand Prix last month that Webber had been set for a fresh deal on the back of his back-to-back successes in Spain and Monte Carlo.

And although the clash with Vettel in Turkey was far from ideal as Red Bull Racing finalised the terms of the new deal, the team and the driver were able to get matters sorted swiftly.

Speaking about the contract extension, which will see him partnered with Vettel once again, Webber said: "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.

"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."

The confirmation of Webber's deal makes it likely that all the leading F1 drivers will stay put for next year, with Felipe Massa set to remain at Ferrari and Robert Kubica likely to remain at Renault.