Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima will remain at Williams for next year, the Grove-based outfit has confirmed.
Rosberg extended his contract with the team at the end of last year, but the announcement reaffirms Williams’ belief in the German’s ability to lead the team into what will be a new era of Formula One in the context of sweeping technical changes.
“I am delighted we are able to maintain continuity with our drivers going into 2009,” commented team principal Frank Williams.
“Nico Rosberg continues to be one of the most capable drivers in the sport. Kazuki is getting stronger all the time and has more to offer.”
The confirmation follows Rosberg’s stunning charge to a career best second place in the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix, despite being hampered by ten second penalty, while Nakajima underlined his raw pace by following Rosberg into the top ten the first time Williams has seen both its cars progress to the qualifying shoot out this year.
Formula 3 Euroseries ace and Williams test driver Nico Hulkenberg will also step up to a more senior testing role.
“Nico Hulkenberg is developing well,†Williams added.
Williams are currently locked in a fierce battle with the Red Bull teams for sixth in the constructors championship with Rosberg’s second place in Singapore bringing the Grove-based outfit to within five points of Toro Rosso.
