The Williams Formula One team announced on Monday that their drivers for next year will be veteran Brazilian Rubens Barrichello and German rookie Nico Hulkenberg.
The Oxford-based team struggled throughout the just-concluded season when Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima were the drivers and the former world champion outfit finished a lowly seventh in the constructors championship.
“Team leader 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 drivers championship this year.
“Nico Hulkenberg won the GP2 Championship this season as a rookie and has previously won the F3 Euroseries, Formula Masters, A1 GP and Formula BMW Germany.
“Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima remain our drivers until the end of 2009 and I would like to thank them for their contribution to the team.”
Japanese auto giants exiting motor sports
Tokyo: Tyre maker Bridgestone's exit from Formula One is part of an exodus by Japanese automotive industry giants from the multi-million-dollar sport amid the worst industry slump in decades.
Toyota has said it would stop hosting Japan's annual Grand Prix, Honda Motor has sold its F1 racing team, and several other industry players from Suzuki to Subaru have also turned their back on motor sports.
{{/usCountry}}Toyota has said it would stop hosting Japan's annual Grand Prix, Honda Motor has sold its F1 racing team, and several other industry players from Suzuki to Subaru have also turned their back on motor sports.
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