“Rubens needs no introduction,” team boss Frank Williams said of Barrichello, who is set to become the first man to start 300 Grands Prix next season. “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.”
Ross Brawn, Barrichellos current boss, commented: "We are very pleased for Rubens that he will be driving in Formula One once again next year. Rubens was with our team for four years and we regard him as a highly experienced and talented driver whose contribution to the team over that period was significant.
“Rubens contributed hugely to our success in the constructors' championship with two great victories in Valencia and Monza along with numerous podiums and he was a pleasure to work with. We wish Rubens the very best with his new team and thank him for his contribution to Brawn GP this year."
In reference to Hulkenberg, who first tested with his team in 2008, Williams said of the 22 year-old German: "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.”
Rosberg announced in Abu Dhabi that it would be his last race for Williams, the team with which he made his Formula One debut back in 2006, having won the inaugural GP2 championship the previous year. Since then he has scored 75.5 points for the team, including a podium at the 2008 Australian Grand Prix. Media speculation has linked him to a Brawn drive for 2010.
Nakajima has been largely overshadowed by Rosberg since beginning his F1 race career with Williams at the end of 2007. The Japanese driver has close links with Toyota, who will be replaced by Cosworth as Williams engine supplier in 2010.
Paying tribute to his current drivers, Williams added: “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. Nico and Kazuki have represented AT&T Williams and our partners with dedication, discipline and skill and we wish them every success with their future endeavours."
formula1.com
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