Nico Rosberg of Germany will drive for Mercedes Grand Prix next season, in the team's first signing since taking over Brawn GP.
German driver first signing for newly-branded Mercedes Grand Prix
Nico Rosberg of Germany will drive for Mercedes Grand Prix next season, in the team's first signing since taking over world championship winners Brawn GP.
Rosberg brought his four-year association with Williams to a close in favour of joining the newly-branded team, which has seen British world champion Jenson Button move to McLaren and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello fill the vacancy at Williams.
"I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes," said 24-year-old Rosberg.
"No other brand in Formula One can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing. I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn.
"I am more motivated than ever and can hardly wait to start testing with the new Silver Arrow and for the first race of the new season at Bahrain in March."
Ideal signing
Team principal Ross Brawn, who led Brawn GP to victory in the drivers' and constructors' championships in the team's debut season before selling a controlling interest to Mercedes, singled out Rosberg as the outfit's ideal signing.
"We are delighted to welcome Nico to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him," said Brawn.
"Nico is a great talent and, with four years of experience in Formula 1, is a driver who will be able to make a valuable contribution to our team right from the outset.
"I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps.
"2009 was Nico's best season in Formula One to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year."
Mercedes have yet to name their second driver, although it is rumoured that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher could be coaxed out of retirement to fill the post at the age of 41.
Other drivers linked with the position are Finland's 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen and Nick Heidfeld of Germany.
