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Mark Webber will stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2013 Formula 1 season, the team has announced, ending speculation that the Australian could be in line for a move to Ferrari.

Webber has been on year-by-year deals with Red Bull for several seasons, and had been linked with a switch to Ferrari to partner Fernando Alonso in 2013.

But the reigning champion team has now completed a contract extension with the British Grand Prix winner, who said staying put alongside Sebastian Vettel was the most logical option.

"I've been with Red Bull Racing since 2007 and have achieved nine grand prix wins during that time," said 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.

"The team is constantly working hard to improve in all areas and we've shown that together we can win races.

"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."

Team boss Christian Horner added: "Mark has driven very well in the first nine races of this season and his performance has been impressive. Much of his Formula 1 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."

Webber joined Red Bull at the start of the 2007 season. The 35-year-old Australian has finished third in the championship for the past two seasons, and was a long-time points leader in 2010. Webber is currently Alonso's main rival for the 2012 title, closing to within 13 points of the Spaniard when he beat him at Silverstone.

Hamilton ‘ready’ for Lotus amid McLaren crisis

I haven't even thought about Lotus being an option. I only thought Mercedes and perhaps Red Bull were possibilities, but perhaps he's looking further than that.

Don't know how much of it is true but I'm getting the same feeling again as with Kimi when he was at McLaren. Constant frustration because of the results and many rumours about leaving the team, which perhaps will turn out to be true again?

Would be a real shame.

Red Bull confirms Mark Webber for 2013

Red Bull has confirmed Mark Webber will be staying with the team for 2013, ending speculation about his future.

Webber said in a statement: “I’ve been with Red Bull Racing since 2007 and have achieved nine grand prix wins during that time. 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.

“The Team is constantly working hard to improve in all areas and we’ve shown that together we can win races. 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.”

Christian Horner added: “Mark has driven very well in the first nine races of this season and his performance has been impressive. 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.”

great news for Mark, I'm genuinely happy for him

both Lotus drivers are under contract for 2013. But a swap of some sort could be possible.

There are rumours that Lotus want to ditch Kimi for not doing what was expected from him. Lotus are testing d'Ambrosio so he is ready to take over his seat before the end of the season.

I know, biggest rubbish of the day, but if a slight part is true it would mean that Lotus isn't happy with Kimi.

Webber staying at RBR.

Lewis will stay at Mclaren
Ferrari will retain Massa.
Schumacher extends deal for extra year with an option for 2014 with Merc.

Another boring silly season at the top end.

Surely Ferrari can do better than Massa.
If they don't care about points, put someone in the car the brings media attention.....I vote topless Danica Patrick....

I think he would accept an 'inferior' car at Lotus or Mercedes for a season as opposed to remaining in team Jenson with that feckless idiot on strategy. Even Lewis knew that the call to cover Grosjean was a mistake.