V8 Supercars driver Mark Winterbottom will remain with Ford Performance Racing for the next two years after signing a contract extension with the team.

Winterbottom has been with FPR since 2006, finishing in the top five of the championship every year at the factory-backed outfit.

But FPR remains one of the sport’s great underachievers, having failed to land a driver’s championship or Bathurst win since its inception in 2003.

Winterbottom obviously feels that run of outs is set to change however after committing himself until the end of 2014.

“I am proud to have been associated with the factory Ford team for so long,” the 30-year-old said.

“Things change rapidly in motorsport and there will be no bigger change than the introduction of Car of the Future next year so to stay with the people I know through such a big change is definitely a good thing.”

Winterbottom finished third in last year’s championship standings but never realistically threatened to challenge eventual winner Jamie Whincup or runner-up Craig Lowndes for the crown.

Although the TeamVodafone pair were a cut above in last year’s championship, Winterbottom was confident FPR is on the verge of turning things around.

“I’ve worked with a lot of great people over the last six seasons I’ve raced for the team but the group here now is the best yet,” he said.

“The way we are all starting to fire together is very encouraging and gives us all confidence to fight for the championship.

“Although a title still eludes us we of course keep working towards it and to win one after so many years of trying would be special and a greater achievement than if I moved elsewhere and won.”