MOTORSPORT: Webber and Vettel together again

Early contract extension for Australia's F1 championship leader
Barely a week after the collision that cost them a likely one-two finish in the Turkish Grand Prix it's been confirmed that Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel will remain Red Bull Racing teammates for another 18 months.

Australia's Formula One world championship leader Webber's contract has been extended until the end of next year.

It's great news -- and reward (most likely financially too) -- for Webber as he nears his 34th birthday on August 27.

German Vettel, not 23 for another four weeks yet, was already contracted to Red Bull for next year.

"The decision to retain Mark was very straightforward," team principal Christian Horner [pictured, speaking wth Webber] said. "He is an important member of our team and is in the best form of his career, as the 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."

Webber said staying put next year was "an easy decision" for him.

"We began talking very early this year and were in a position to sign by the Barcelona Grand Prix (a month ago, when his purple patch began)," he said. "The decision to extend for a further year was a mutual one.

"It's widely known that I'm not interested in hanging around in F1 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 (north of London) feels like home.

"It's been incredible to be part of the team as it's moved forward from a midfield 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."

Of the Turkish turmoil, from which he emerged third -- behind the McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, while Vettel was out of the race -- Webber said: "It was a shame for the team ... we lost a good opportunity to win the race.

"It's sport and these things can happen, but it shouldn't have done.

"Seb and I will make sure it doesn't happen again and will continue to work openly together -- no problem.

"We have talked enough on it now, it's done, we're looking ahead and I'm focussed on the race in Canada (early next Monday, Australian time)."

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