Mark Webber extends Red Bull Racing deal through 2012 season

The 35-year-old Australian has been with the team since 2007, having also driven for it during its Jaguar days in '03 and '04. All six of Webber's grand prix wins, his nine pole positions and 25 of his 26 podium finishes have come with Red Bull.

There had been speculation that he might consider changing teams or retiring after this year, particularly following suggestions of favouritism towards his team-mate Sebastian Vettel during last year's title battle and again at this season's British Grand Prix. But Webber said remaining at RBR was an obvious choice to make.

"I want to continue racing at the top in Formula 1 so it's a no-brainer to remain at Red Bull Racing for another year," he said. "My motivation to achieve the best results possible both for myself and the team is still very high.

"Over the past five years, we have worked hard and proved that we can design and build a competitive and championship-winning car, and I'm looking forward to putting the car and myself on the limit again each and every race weekend in 2012."

Team boss Christian Horner added that Red Bull had no doubts about retaining Webber either.

"When we sat down and started talking about 2012, it was immediately obvious that Mark and the team wanted to continue our successful relationship," said Horner.

"This meant agreeing an extension for 2012 was very straightforward. Mark knows the team well, having been with us since 2007, and his motivation, fitness and commitment is as high as it has ever been.

"The pairing of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel is a very strong one, they push each other hard and we are extremely happy the pairing will remain unchanged for a fourth season."

Webber is currently second in the 2011 championship, 85 points behind Vettel.