Webber and Jaguar extend contract

Mark Webber has extended his contract with Jaguar Racing for a further two years until 2005, it was announced on May 9th. Webber, who drove for Minardi in 2002, has impressed so far this season with his performances in qualifying. The Australian was third on the grid in Brazil and fifth in San Marino, although neither translated into a points finish in the races.

Mark Webber.

Photo by Brousseau Photo.

"I hope that, by making this announcement so early in the season, people will realise just how serious both our intentions are to firmly establish Jaguar's place in Formula One," said Webber in a statement from the team.

"We know it's not going to happen overnight, so I'm very happy that we've made this commitment now and can continue the hard work we've already started this year."

"For me personally and as a driver, I'm very excited by the prospect of being involved in what is a long-term objective, and to see our goals being realised as we make further progress over the next two years."

Jaguar Managing Director David Pitchforth said: "Mark is an outstanding talent and everyone at Jaguar Racing is naturally delighted that the partnership will extend to the end of the 2005 season. Mark's start to the season has been very impressive and his approach to racing is very professional -- both inside and outside the cockpit -- and we see Mark as an integral part of our long-term development."

"His natural abundance of skill and commitment provide a considerable impetus for the team to continue strengthening at all levels of the business and in the process, take our challenge to teams further up the grid."