Mark Webber will continue to drive for Red Bull Racing in 2009 for his third straight season with the squad. The announcement came on the eve of the British Grand Prix where Mark will start his 113th Formula 1 GP.
Webber believes 2009 will see the team in even better shape as the technical regulations are set to go through major changes.
"I'm very happy to have signed up for another year with Red Bull Racing so early in the season. As far back as the middle of last year, it was very clear to me that I enjoyed working with the team, playing my part in its development and helping it move forward. So far this year, our reliability has improved and that's allowed us to exploit our performance," said Webber.
"The progress the team has made in the last ten months has been excellent and I am looking forward to carrying that momentum through to the end of the season. Continuing with Red Bull Racing for 2009 was a very easy decision for me to make, as I enjoy being part of this team and that has shown through in my driving."
Horner gives ringing endorsement
Team Principal, Christian Horner believes Mark is the right guy to have in the car to help them challenge the top three teams.
"Earlier in the season both parties expressed a desire to continue working together and so it was a very quick and short discussion that led to an extension of our agreement," said Horner. "Mark has driven fantastically well this year. He has really demonstrated that he is a world class driver and this year the team has been able to give him the tools to endorse that fact."
In a separate announcement from Red Bull Racing, David Coulthard will be retiring at the end of the 2008 season. David started his Formula 1 career in 1994 with the Williams team before moving to McLaren in 1996 where he stayed until his move to Red Bull Racing in 2005. He has won 13 grand prix, stood on the podium 62 times and has earned 533 driver championship points. The announcement was made at the British Grand Prix, where Coulthard achieved two of his 13 F1 victories at Silverstone. He is also a member of the British Racing Drivers' Club, which hosts this event.
"My decision to retire was taken earlier in the year and is based on a desire to stop while I am still competitive and enjoying the immense challenge that Grand Prix driving represents. I also have the desire to look for new challenges within the sport," said Coulthard.
"I am proud of my work at Red Bull Racing and will continue to race with the same focus until the last lap in Brazil. Thereafter I will continue to help the team develop and move towards their ultimate goal of winning races."
Red Bull Racing Team Principal, Christian Horner