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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Webber signs with Red Bull Racing for 2011

Mark Webber

Mark Webber has signed a one-year contract extension with Red Bull Racing that will see him stay with the team for the 2011 Formula One season.

According to Webber negotiations were well underway before the Turkish Grand Prix debacle, “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.”

Mark Webber

Webber acknowledged his strong feelings for the Red Bull team after being with them since the 2007 season when they were a team with little more than potential, “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.”

Christian Horner is happy that the team’s short-term future is secure, “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.”

On the back of the team’s behaviour following the Vettel–Webber crash at the last Grand Prix this does seem like amazing news. However, perhaps it merely confirms Webber’s reputation as a no nonsense operator who, along with Vettel and Red Bull management, appear set to learn from their mistakes and move forward as a stronger and tighter unit.

[Source: MarkWebber.com | Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images]