Mark Webber Extends Contract With Red Bull For 2013

It has been confirmed by Red Bull that Australian driver Mark Webber has extended his contract with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, after months of speculation regarding the future of the 35-year-old. This announcement means Red Bull’s driving line-up will remain unchanged for 2013, with reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel already contracted until next season.

Mark Webber has been a Red Bull driver since 2007, after moving from Williams after two seasons with the Grove-based outfit. Since then, the Australian driver has enjoyed a highly successful career taking 10 poles, 9 wins and 31 podiums. Mark Webber has already taken two victories in 2012, at the Monaco and British Grands Prix and is currently only 13 points behind Championship leader Fernando Alonso.

“I’ve been with Red Bull Racing since 2007 and have achieved nine Grand Prix wins during that time.” Explained Mark Webber. “I’m high on confidence at the moment and firing on all cylinders. I know the Team well and I’m very comfortable here; we have grown together over the years and it feels like absolutely the right thing to stay with Red Bull for another season. It’s great to be able to make this announcement off the back of the win in Silverstone at the weekend and I’m looking forward to competing on the edge and pushing myself in every race again next season.”

Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner believes it was a logical decision to extend their partnership, especially with the Australian driver currently scoring consistent and competitive results for the team. Mark Webber has consistently finished within the points in every race except Spain, where he finished 11th. With the 2012 season highly competitive and unpredictable, consistent results could well be the key to the Championship in 2012.

“Mark has driven very well in the first nine races of this season and his performance has been impressive.” Said Christian Horner, “Much of his Formula One success has been during his time with Red Bull Racing and together we have achieved 10 poles, nine wins and 31 podiums. As there was a strong desire from both sides to continue the partnership, it was a logical decision to extend our relationship and it is with great pleasure that we confirm Mark will drive for us in 2013.”

Mark Webber has announced that he did enter discussions with Ferrari, confirming weeks of speculation that the Aussie could’ve moved to the Italian-outfit. In the end, though, his decision was to remain with Red Bull as his main focus switches to the Championship battle.

“My main focus is on this year’s Championship, which is very important.” Continued Mark Webber. “There were discussions with Ferrari, but my decision was to stay here.”

The last Australian driver to become the Formula 1 World Champion was Alan Jones back in 1980, and Mark Webber will undeniably be striving to change that fact as the Championship battle continues at the front. A bad result for Alonso and another win for Webber could well be the turning point in this highly entertaining season.