After months of speculation, Mercedes confirmed Monday that Nico Rosberg will race for the team next season.
“I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes,” said Rosberg. “No other brand in Formula One can look back on such a long and successful tradition in motor racing.
“I am very proud that I will now drive for the new Mercedes team and work with Ross Brawn,” he continued. “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 2010.”
Rosberg made his debut for Williams in 2006 off the back of his GP2 championship success and dominated his various team-mates in his four-year stint with the team. While the German racer only secured two podium positions from his 70 starts, his strong 2009 season put him in pole position for the Mercedes drive following the buyout of the Brawn team.
“We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him,” said team principal Ross Brawn.
“Nico is a great talent, and with four years of experience in Formula One, 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 One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 2009 was Nico’s best season in Formula One to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year.”
Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Vice President Norbert Haug added: “Nico has positive ambitions, we have positive ambitions and together we want to achieve a great deal. I am really looking forward to working with him.”
Mercedes has not revealed the length of Rosberg’s contract with the team and has yet to confirm the identity of Rosberg’s team-mate for 2010, although fellow German Nick Heidfeld remains an option.
Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International
via F1-Live
