Rubens Barrichello to Leave Brawn GP
Williams F1 today announced their 2010 driver line up. They have changed both drivers this season and will have the experienced Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg who comes from GP2. This will be a shock to many Brawn GP fans as it was widely expected that Brawn GP would retain both their drivers this season.
William’s Press release reads
The AT&T Williams team today confirmed that its drivers for 2010 will be Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hulkenberg.
Frank Williams, Team Principal, said, “Rubens 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. 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.”
He continued, “Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima remain our drivers until the end of 2009 and I would like to take this opportunity 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.”
Ross Brawn thanked Rubens Barrichello for his 4 years with Honda and Braswn GP.
Ross Brawn, Team Principal, Brawn GP
“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.
“2009 was a very special season for Brawn GP and I am extremely proud of the spirit in which our drivers Rubens and Jenson fought for the Drivers Championship. 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.”
At this time Brawn GP have not announced their driver line up for 2010, it is widely expected that Jenson Button will stay with the team if they can come to an agreement on wages. The most likely contender for the second seat is current F1 driver Nico Rosberg.
