Webber Commits to Red Bull

Mark Webber has described it as a "no-brainer" in opting to commit his Formula One future to Red Bull Racing for the 2012 season.

After months of speculation the Australian, who today celebrates his 35th birthday, has agreed a one-year extension with the Milton Keynes-based team.

"I want to continue racing at the top in Formula One so it's a no-brainer to remain at Red Bull Racing for another year," said Webber.

Webber, who has been with Red Bull since 2007, added: "My motivation to achieve the best results possible for both myself and the team is still very high.

"Over the past five years we have worked hard and proved we can design and build a competitive and championship-winning car.

"I'm looking forward to putting the car and myself on the limit again each and every race weekend in 2012."

Team principal Christian Horner always said he would sit down and discuss a potential new deal with Webber at the end of the summer, and that has proven to be the case.

Last season proved to be a contentious one for Webber who endured fall-outs with team-mate Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull, believing himself to be a No 2 driver on occasion.

Webber ultimately lost out on the title to Vettel in the final race in Abu Dhabi, and this season has been completely overshadowed by the 24 year-old.

Ahead of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, Webber trails Vettel by 85 points and has yet to win a race compared to the German's six wins.

Despite that, Horner said: "When we sat down and started talking about 2012 it was immediately obvious that Mark and the team wanted to continue our successful relationship.

"This meant agreeing an extension for 2012 was very straightforward.

"Mark knows the team, having been with us since 2007, and his motivation, fitness and commitment is as high as it has ever been.

"The pairing of Mark and Sebastian is a very strong one, they push each other hard and we are extremely happy it will remain unchanged for a fourth season."