At a press conference this lunchtime Mercedes announced that Nico Rosberg will be driving for the team (known in the 2009 season as Brawn GP) starting from the 2010 season. The 24-year-old announced his departure from Williams last October and had been widely expected to drive for Mercedes 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 1 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. 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.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal said, “We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him. 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 One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 2009 was Nico’s best season in Formula 1 to date and we look forward to seeing his development continue with us at Mercedes next year.”

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, 41, remains rumoured to take the second seat at Mercedes, although Ross Brawn continues to deny that the possibility even exists.

Germany’s Nick Heidfeld has also been linked to this second seat, although Mercedes’ Motorsport Chief Norbert Haug insists that drivers will not be chosen based on nationality since Mercedes is a global brand.

f1 Formula 1 GP grand prix jenson button keke mercedes nico rosberg norbert haug ross brawn williams