Red Bull announced on Thursday that Mark Webber will continue to drive for the team next season. Webber, who won his maiden race in Germany earlier this month, will retain his seat alongside fellow incumbent Sebastian Vettel.

“I’m extremely happy that Red Bull and I have been able to agree to race together again next year,” said the Australian, who joined the team in 2007. “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 got a very exciting finish to this year’s championship, but I’m also looking forward to helping to develop and race the RB6 in the 2010 world championship.”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: “I’m delighted that we have re-signed Mark for 2010. 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 Grand Prix - and he has the motivation to deliver at the highest level. It was therefore a straightforward decision to extend the relationship. We believe that the driver line-up of Mark and Sebastian is one of the strongest in the sport.”

Webber is currently third in the drivers' championship with 45.5 points, just 1.5 behind Vettel. Leader Jenson Button has 68.