Red Bull extends Mark Webber's contract

Silverstone, England -- The contract of Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber was extended through the 2009 season on Thursday.

Webber is in his second year with Red Bull following stints with Minardi, Jaguar and Williams, and is tied for seventh place in this season's driver standings with 18 points.

"I'm very happy to have signed up for another year with Red Bull Racing so early in the season," the Australian said in a statement. "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."

"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 Red Bull principal Christian Horner.

Webber's extension was announced at the site of Sunday's British Grand Prix in Silverstone, England.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.