Mark Webber will stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2013 Formula 1 season, the team has announced, ending speculation that the Australian could be in line for a move to Ferrari.

Webber has been on year-by-year deals with Red Bull for several seasons, and had been linked with a switch to Ferrari to partner Fernando Alonso in 2013.

But the reigning champion team has now completed a contract extension with the British Grand Prix winner, who said staying put alongside Sebastian Vettel was the most logical option.

"I've been with Red Bull Racing since 2007 and have achieved nine grand prix wins during that time," said Webber.

"I'm high on confidence at the moment and firing on all cylinders. I know the team well and I'm very comfortable here; we have grown together over the years and it feels like absolutely the right thing to stay with Red Bull for another season.

"The team is constantly working hard to improve in all areas and we've shown that together we can win races.

"It's great to be able to make this announcement off the back of the win in Silverstone at the weekend and I'm looking forward to competing on the edge and pushing myself in every race again next season."

Team boss Christian Horner added: "Mark has driven very well in the first nine races of this season and his performance has been impressive. Much of his Formula 1 success has been during his time with Red Bull Racing and together we have achieved 10 poles, nine wins and 31 podiums.

"As there was a strong desire from both sides to continue the partnership, it was a logical decision to extend our relationship and it is with great pleasure that we confirm Mark will drive for us in 2013."

Webber joined Red Bull at the start of the 2007 season. The 35-year-old Australian has finished third in the championship for the past two seasons, and was a long-time points leader in 2010. Webber is currently Alonso's main rival for the 2012 title, closing to within 13 points of the Spaniard when he beat him at Silverstone.

Mark Webber claims it was an easy decision to commit himself to Red Bull Racing for 2013 - after confirming for the first time that he did hold talks with Ferrari.

The Australian's British Grand Prix victory proved the catalyst for him and his Milton Keynes-based outfit to finalise a deal for next year, even though team principal Christian Horner suggested at the weekend that they would still hold back for a while before beginning talks.

Webber says the prospect of fighting for the world championship this year, and his in-depth knowledge of the way Red Bull Racing operated, were key factors that made him choose to stick with his current team once again.

When asked if that decision was ultimately an easy one, Webber said: "In the end, yes it was. It's been an interesting few months, but overall the continuity and desire for me to continue at Red Bull Racing was very strong.

"My main focus is on this year's championship, which is very important. In addition it's an amazing bunch of guys and girls at Red Bull Racing and I really, really like working with them. That has a huge effect on me and how I perform in the car and it helped me in my decision."

Talking about offers he had elsewhere, Webber said: "There were discussions with Ferrari, but my decision was to stay here."

With Webber locked in a close title battle, he thinks there will be benefits to wrapping up his contract for next year right now.

"I've been hearing different rumours and reasons for a long time now," he said. "At the end of the day I know everything that has been going on. You want to make sure your focus is clearly on driving the car and the guys that you're working with. It's important the team knows you're 100 per cent with them, which, of course, I am."

Webber also says his future beyond 2013 is open, and ultimately depends upon what he is producing on track.

"I've been asked this question for the past four years and my answer remains the same," he replied when asked if 2013 would be his last season in Formula 1. "It's a results-based sport at the front of the grid so the future lies in my own hands. It's down to me to deliver the on-track results."

Felipe Massa, this morning.

The only reason that I think Alonso will end up winning it is Dr Markko will end up sticking his beak in at RBR and fk the job for Webber.

To be honest I don't mind out of Mark or Fernando who wins, they are both driving at the very best they ever have.

If I had to choose though I'd prefer Mark to do it as he's a good no bullst character.

don't know what he's says or how he comes across in the UK/Europe. But I've never known of a driver who talks as much **** as Webber.