Williams confirm Barrichello and Hulkenberg

[Dare]

As expected
 

 

 
Barrichello moving to Williams to join Hulkenberg
 
Williams has confirmed that Rubens Barrichello will join the team for the 2010 season alongside Nico Hulkenberg who is promoted from his role as test and reserve driver. The team has already confirmed a switch from Toyota to Cosworth engines for next year.

Despite his success with Brawn this year, the impending acquisition of a stake in the team by Mercedes-Benz and the expected arrival of 2009 Williams driver Nico Rosberg, forced Barrichello to look elsewhere.

"Rubens needs no introduction," said Frank Williams. "He is not only the most experienced driver in Formula One, but a passionate and talented driver who fought hard for the drivers' championship this year.”

Having started his Formula One career with Jordan in 1993, his new deal will see him race for the Grove-based team, extending his F1 career to an astonishing 18 seasons and over 300 starts. He has finished second in the championship with Ferrari and third this year with Brawn GP. 
 


Hulkenberg meanwhile is the protégé of Michael Schumacher’s manager Willi Weber and steps up to Formula One with impressive credentials having taken championship honours in Formula BMW ADAC, A1GP, F3 Euroseries and the GP2 championship.

The confirmation of the Williams line-up means that Toyota favourite Kazuki Nakajima has been dropped by the team after a disappointing second season.

"Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima 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," Williams continued. "Nico and Kazuki have represented AT&T Williams and our partners with dedication, discipline and skill and we wish them every success with their future endeavours."

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International 

[FW14B]

Yeah, no surprises but still glad it has been confirmed.  I had hoped to see Heidfeld, but I guess it was not going to happen we'd pair two German drivers together.  So, experience in Rubens and youth in Hulkenberg.  I'll have to change my signature!

[John S]

 
So the second worst kept secret, Ferd to Ferrari the first, is finally confirmed. That's another part of the jigsaw in place, it only leaves about 15 or sixteen still left to speculate over.

[Scott]

Yeah, no surprises but still glad it has been confirmed.  I had hoped to see Heidfeld, but I guess it was not going to happen we'd pair two German drivers together.  So, experience in Rubens and youth in Hulkenberg.  I'll have to change my signature!

I agree.  I'm getting more and more concerned about Sauber as time goes on.  I hope Heidfeld has a drive next year.  Maybe he'll land at Mclaren after all.

[FW14B]

I am worried for them too, I just hope one of the new teams drops out, or some arrangement can be agreed upon by all teams (it's not just my lot who have said no!!!) to let them onto the grid for 2010.  Would much rather have Sauber any of the new lot.