Williams confirm Rosberg and Nakajima

The announcement aims to put an end to speculations that Rosberg would be transferred to McLaren next season.

For the young German, son of 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg, this will be the third season with Williams. For the 22-year-old Japanese, this will be the first full season in Formula One, having been the official test and reserve driver for Williams in 2007.

"I am delighted to confirm that Nico will be racing for the team for his third consecutive year after demonstrating impressive and widely applauded form in 2007," team owner Frank Williams commented.

"Nico will be ably partnered by Kazuki, who has impressed the team over the past year. He has pace and the right aptitude to develop into a competitive Formula One racer and over the course of the next season, we will provide him with all the necessary support and assistance to hone his talents."

Nakajima, son of former F1 driver Satoru Nakajima and a member of the Toyota young drivers' programme, vowed to seize the opportunity handed to him and live up to the expectations.

"This is the crowning of a great year for me," the Japanese driver, who was Rookie of the Year in the GP2 season, said.

"It was an amazing experience to drive out of the garage (in Friday practice) as a Formula One driver at Albert Park last March, and now to be confirmed as a race driver for Williams is a dream come true.

"I am very grateful to Toyota for the support I have had through the programme and to Williams for the team's faith in me.

"There is plenty of work to be done before next season starts, but I am resolved to do whatever is necessary and to show Williams and Toyota that they have made a good investment."