German Nick Heidfeld will race with the Williams team during the 2005 season, the Formula One squad revealed on Monday.
Heidfeld, who drove for Jordan last year, had been fighting for the remaining racing seat with Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia. The German will partner Australian Mark Webber.
Pizzonia was the favourite for the job until BMW suggested the team test Heidfeld, who had impressed with struggling Jordan and Sauber before that.
The last time the team had a similar shoot-out, in Barcelona between Briton Jenson Button and Brazilian Bruno Junqueira in January 2000, the two drivers were not told of the team's decision until minutes before the car was unveiled.