Mercedes confirm Rosberg capture
November 23, 2009
Nico Rosberg will drive for the new Mercedes F1 team in 2010.
The 24-year-old announced his departure from Williams in October and, as a German native, had been expected to drive for Mercedes next season.
The new team has been formed after Mercedes-Benz bought a 75% stake in Brawn GP, the team that won the 2009 drivers’ and constructors’ titles.
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, 41, remains in the frame to take the second seat at Mercedes.
He would have to be tempted out of retirement to reclaim a spot behind the wheel in F1, but there are two possible alternatives to Schumacher.
Finland’s 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen has left Ferrari, while Germany’s Nick Heidfeld is available and is seen as a safe pair of hands.
Rosberg said: “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 on 14 March.”
Team principal Ross Brawn added: “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 1 career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps.”
Rosberg had spent the last four years competing for Williams and is yet to win a race in 70 starts. The son of Finland’s 1982 champion Keke, he has a best finish of second in Singapore in 2008.
Mercedes took over British-based Brawn last week and both the team’s 2009 drivers have moved to pastures new. World champion Jenson Button has joined McLaren, while Brazilian Rubens Barrichello has taken Rosberg’s place at Williams.
Source: bbc.co.uk/
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