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Webber to stay another year at Red Bull

July 23, 2009 23:05 IST

Australian Mark Webber has been rewarded with a year's extension to his Red Bull contract after celebrating the first victory of his Formula One career this month.

The 32-year-old, who is third in the world championship standings after his German Grand Prix victory at the Nuerburgring, will continue to partner Germany's Sebastian Vettel at the team in 2010.

"I'm looking forward to staying with the guys again next year," he told a news conference at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Thursday.

"We've had a good relationship ever since we started together and we've been through some pretty tough times in terms of development but at the moment we have got hold of the new regulations pretty well.

"I think we can have a good 18 months together and we'll see what happens at the end of next year."

Webber joined the Renault-powered team from Williams at the end of 2006 in what was effectively a return to his former surroundings, having spent two seasons with Red Bull's predecessors Jaguar.

This year he has been one of the quickest drivers on the track, despite breaking his leg in a cycling crash in Tasmania in November, with three second places as well as the win.

He has been on the podium in his last three races.

"He has continued to show huge commitment and determination," said team boss Christian Horner. "His recent results show he is on the form of his life... and he has the motivation to deliver at the highest level.

"It was therefore a straightforward decision to extend the relationship."

Alan Baldwin
Source: REUTERS
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