New Red Bull deal for Webber

(FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)

Mark Webber has signed a new deal with Red Bull Racing, committing himself to the team for the 2010 season.

The contract is reward for a superb season to date for the 32-year-old Australian, who scored his first F1 career victory 11 days ago in the German Grand Prix.

"I'm extremely happy Red Bull and I have been able to agree to race together again next year," said Webber.

Webber appreciates the tough times he has come through to arrive at a situation now where his future is confirmed at the midway point of this season.

Webber added: "Even in the leaner and tougher years at the start of my relationship with the team, I've always enjoyed working with them.

"So now to go through this purple patch, which we hope will continue for a good while to come, makes the work even more enjoyable.

"We've a very exciting finish to this year's championship, but I'm also looking forward to helping to develop and race the car in the 2010 world championship."

For team boss Christian Horner, it was an easy decision for him to make given Webber's form.

Along with his victory at the Nurburgring, Webber has finished as runner-up on three occasions this year, and third once to leave him just one and a half points behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel in the drivers' standings, and 22.5 off championship leader Jenson Button.

"I'm delighted we have re-signed Mark for 2010," said Horner.

"He has continued to show huge commitment and determination this season, especially following his bike accident at the end of last year.

"His recent results show he is on the form of his life - most

notably with his recent win at the German GP - and he has the motivation to deliver at the highest level.

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

"We believe the driver line-up of Mark and Sebastian is one of the strongest in the sport."

With Vettel already signed up for 2010, Red Bull Racing are the first team to definitively confirm their driver pairing for next season.