Red Bull Racing has confirmed today that Mark Webber will continue to drive for the team in 2010, alongside his team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
Christian Horner:
"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 GP - 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.
Mark Webber:
"I'm extremely happy that Red Bull and I have been able to agree to race together again next year. 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."
Our line-up is surely the strongest pairing in F1 at the moment - one of only three teams where both drivers have won in F1, and both seem to be pretty well grounded.
I'm happy but there is a part of me that feels like telling them where they can stick their one year contract...'best driver line-up?'...you don't really mean that do you Christian.
Why would Mark want only one year when he said before the season starts that he wants to see out his career at Redbull? This was before the car turned up to Melbourne and showed it's pace relative to the opposition.
I'm just trying to see both sides of it. I would have thought Redbull would be keen to keep him given how they kept DC and how much older DC was, combined with the fact that Mark won last race and beat his teammate fair and square. All I mean by that is that it wasn't a lucky victory off attrition.
And I thought Mark would want to stay as well? What other options could be out there for Mark? I know that they can always renegotiate again for 2011, but I don't see why either side would want to put doubt into the relationship. Wasn't Kimi resigned for 2 seasons last year despite being dissappointing at the time?
Brilliant news................. although I have to concur with Ian's sentiments!
If the team and driver have agreed to excercise the 3rd year option that is all good. The reasons for not negotiating a completely new contract at present will be many and varied but mainly that things don't usually work that way.
I am happy with one year, they will probably sign Mark again for another 1 year deal at the end of next year and then they will sign him again for another 1 year deal at the end of the year after that!
They are probably signing Webber for 3 years, but in 3 one year deals rather than one 3 year deal, if that makes any sense?
Not the result I was hoping for. I can only assume that mark was after more money and better conditions from a 1 year contract.
So Seb and Mark are free in 2011?, I imagine that RB are pinning there hopes on the new talent coming through for 2011, so that they can keep paying less of a premium for drivers.
I'm pleased he's re-signed as I feared a 'big name' driver snaffling the seat out from under Mark's nose, but i'm surprised it's a one year deal. I dont think Mark's at the 'DC stage' of his career just yet.
Toyota gave Trulli a 3 year deal when he was older than Mark.
Red Bull being cheap charlies? Maybe they're keeping their options open for Alonso in case there's no Ferrari deal?
________________________
Mark Webber - WINNER 2009 German Grand Prix!
I'm not that.... displeased. If Mark has a great year next year and RBR dont re-sign him for 2011, he'll be in with a good shot of a top seat somewhere regardless.
________________________
Mark Webber - WINNER 2009 German Grand Prix!
Yeah i think Mark still has a couple of years left in F1 after next year , but yeah maybe it won't be with Red Bull.
Quote:
I'm pleased he's re-signed as I feared a 'big name' driver snaffling the seat out from under Mark's nose, but i'm surprised it's a one year deal. I dont think Mark's at the 'DC stage' of his career just yet.
Another 1 year is fine with me. We cannot be sure that Red Bull will be great next year (should be because based on this year's car) but who knows the year after?? Assuming Mark does well next year he will still be young enough to drive for Red Bull or switch to another good team
I think Redbull only offered a 1 year deal as best case Jaime will be in TR next year for his apprentiship replacing webber in 2011, so a Vettel and Alguersuari team..... Franz Tost said as much..... not about the timeframe bu that STR will be used as a stepping stone for him to the Red Bull Team.....
I do not believe DM needs to sell off STR, they just need to become a proper manafacturer. It does remove alot of the advantages of having two teams though. I think Red Bull will still own STR into next year. maybe sometime during the season next year it will be sold..... But Jaime contract will be with Red Bull not STR.
As far as replacing a World Champ.... Jaime and Vettel will be seen as the future. However I am sure if RBR loose Vettel end of next season they will likely offer webber another contract to partner Jaime...... I am sure the DM is a smart man and would keep his options open....
However I am sure if RBR loose Vettel end of next season they will likely offer webber another contract to partner Jaime...... I am sure the DM is a smart man and would keep his options open....
We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment.
We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals.
We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards.
If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing
abuse@sportnetwork.net