Williams confirms Rosberg and Nakajima

Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima have been confirmed as the two Williams drivers for 2008.

The announcement aims to put an end to the numerous rumors saying that Rosberg would be transferred to McLaren next season.

For the young German, son of the 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg, this will be the third season with Williams. For the 22-year-old Japanese driver, it will be the first full F1 season, after having been the test driver for the team.

He participated in various GP2 races and even took advantage of Wurz’s retirement before the end of the season to drive a single-seater in a race. It was during the Brazilian Grand Prix.

« I am very happy to confirm that Nico will be part of the team for his third consecutive year, following the impressive display of his racing abilities that were widely applauded in 2007, » commented Frank Williams.

« Nico will be partnered with Kazuki Nakajima, who impressed the team during the past year. He has the pace and a good ability to develop a competitive edge during F1 races. During the next season, we will provide him with all the support and assistance necessary to hone his talents. »

Nakajima, son of former F1 driver Satoru Nakajima, has been a member of the young drivers of Toyota and sees this announcement as a crowning achievement.

« It’s the crowning of a great year for me, » said the Japanese driver.

« It was an extraordinary experience to do the free practice on Friday like at Albert Park, last March, and now the team has confirmed me as a race driver. It’s a dream. »

I’m very grateful to Toyota for the support I’ve received through this program and to the Williams team for the trust they place in me.

There is a lot of work to do before the next season starts in March, but I am determined to do whatever is necessary. I want to show Williams and Toyota that they have made a good investment! Nakajima concluded.