Williams have confirmed that Rubens Barrichello will join them for the 2010 Formula One season alongside rookie Nico Hulkenberg.
Brazilian veteran to partner German rookie next season
Williams have confirmed that Rubens Barrichello will join them for the 2010 Formula One season alongside rookie Nico Hulkenberg.
The announcement, which has been widely anticipated in recent weeks, sees the pair replace Nico Rosberg - who is expected to take Barrichello's seat at Brawn GP - and Kazuki Nakajima.
Barrichello, who turns 38 in May, is now the most experienced driver in Formula One history, having made 284 starts in a career stretching back to 1993.
He has enjoyed something of a career revival alongside World Champion Jenson Button at Brawn this season, winning his first races in five seasons and finishing third in the drivers' standings.
His new team-mate Hulkenberg, who was just five years old when Barrichello made his F1 debut, graduates to a race seat having spent time as Williams' test and reserve driver.
The German won this year's GP2 title and also won the A1GP series for his country in 2006/07.
Team principal Sir Frank Williams said: "Rubens needs no introduction.
"He is not only the most experienced driver in Formula One but a passionate and talented driver who fought hard for the championship this year.
"Nico won the GP2 championship this season as a rookie and has previously won the F3 Euroseries, Formula Master, A1GP and Formula BMW Germany."
Williams added: "Nico Rosberg and Kazuki remain our drivers until the end of 2009 and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution to the team.
"Nico and Kazuki have represented Williams and our partners with dedication, discipline and skill and we wish them every success with their future endeavours."
On the up
Barrichello insisted on Thursday that, despite their failure to score a victory since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix, Williams are a team "anyone would look at".
Insisting Williams are "on their way up", Barrichello also said that he wanted to add to his tally of 11 race victories.
"I have a lot of passion for speed, for overtaking, for the things that pump me up, the challenge of winning," he said.
"I want to go on and have a chance to keep on winning."
Rosberg's imminent move to Brawn GP comes after a season which saw him finish seventh in the Drivers' Championship.
The 34.5 points he scored represented the sum total for Williams - Nakajima's F1 career now appearing under threat after he failed to score.
Having also ended their engine deal with Toyota ahead of schedule, Williams are to switch to Cosworth power next season.
