Vettel to stay at Red Bull through 2014

The world champion's current deal with Red Bull Racing ran until the end of this year, with an option for 2012, but sources have revealed that he has now agreed terms that will definitely keep him there for another three years at least.

Vettel and the team have been discussing their future plans over the winter as part of a move by Red Bull Racing to lay found foundations to secure its long-term future in the sport.

It is understood that confirmation of Vettel's plans are imminent, perhaps as early as today, with the team hoping to confirm the new deal well before it heads into the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko said that conclusion of the new deal had been straightforward.

"It was in mutual agreement that we extended Sebastian's contract to 2014," he explained. "Both sides wanted to continue the partnership, so it was no big issue."

Vettel's plans to stay at Red Bull Racing will bring an early end to speculation that he could be interested in an early move to Ferrari. There had also been strong rumours suggesting that Mercedes GP was also interested in him.

Despite the team's conclusion of a deal with Vettel, the outfit is expected to hold back on talks about Mark Webber's future until after the season has started.

As well as Vettel being locked down to 2014, the team has also put in place deals for that period with its senior technical figures - including star designer Adrian Newey - to ensure continuity on that front.

Marko added: "This includes around 50 people of the upper and middle management - basically everyone who is important for securing RBR's top level performances."