The Ford Performance Racing V8 Supercar team has announced that Mark Winterbottom will remain with the squad for the next three years after the Prodrive-run operation took u﷽p its option on the 26-year-old.

Winterbottom joined FPR at the start of the 2006 season and in a stellar performance finished third in th🧸e V8 Supercar Drivers' Championship.

In his 19 Champions♚hip rounds contested ♒with FPR to date, 'Frosty' has raced to one round victory, 11 top five round results, 13 top ten round results and one pole position.

"Mark has been a fantastic asset to the team over the 🍒past 18 months and both sides were keen to make sure that we have a long term partnership," explained FBR motorsport director, Tim Edwards. "We believe in 🌠Mark for the future and he certainly believes in us for the future.

"It is fantastic that we are able to put his contract renewal to bed so early in the season, so we can co♈ncentrate ܫon moving forward with some great results for the rest of the year."

Winterbottom meanwhile is delighted to have secured his future with FPR: "It is every race driver's dream to be able to drive for a major factory supported team so it is fantastic to b♊e announcing our continuation together," he added.

"FPR had faith in me 18 months ago and gave me the chance to c💜ompete in V8 Supercars at an elite level and it is excellent that it has worked out so well for both of us. I am looking forward now to a very successful future with the team."