The British team will therefore tackle the 2010 season with a completely new lineup, as neither of the two drivers have previously competed for Williams in the series. The move was projected ever since Nico Rosberg officially announced he will leave Williams at the end of 2009, as the German driver is heavily linked with a move to Brawn GP.
Also, Williams' terminating their engine partnership with Toyota was equivalent with Japanese driver and Toyota protege Kazuki Nakajima being left out of the team's plans for next year.
“Rubens (Barrichello) 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,” said Frank Williams earlier today, via a press release.
“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,” added the 67-year old Brit, whose team has also switched engine suppliers prior to their 2010 campaign. As confirmed by a statement from Williams during the Abu Dhabi weekend, the Grove based team will work with Cosworth power plants from 2010 on.
Williams' announcement is likely to be followed by Brawn's as well, as Rosberg is almost 100 percent going to take the Brackley way in the next few days. He is rumored to replace Barrichello at Brawn and more that likely partner world champion Jenson Button for the 2010 season.
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