Webber signs new Red Bull deal

Formula One world championship leader Mark Webber has signed a one-year extension to his contract with Red Bull, the team have announced.

The deal means the 33-year-old Australian will remain with the team next season, which will be his fifth since joining them in 2007. His team-mate Sebastian Vettel is also signed for 2011.

"It was an easy decision to remain with Red Bull Racing," Webber told http://www.formula1.com. "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 know that I'm not interested in hanging around in Formula One just for the sake of it and at this stage of my career, I'm happy to take one year at a time.

"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."

Webber has won the Spanish and Monaco grands prix this year, his first victories in F1, and leads the drivers' championship standings by five points from defending champion Jenson Button of McLaren.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: "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."