Rosberg Handed Second Williams Seat

The German's performance in clinching this year's inaugural GP2 championship and the input he has provided in testing for the team have left Williams adamant that he is the perfect partner for Mark Webber in 2006.

Although the news has not been officially confirmed, Autosport reports that an announcement should be made in a matter of days.

Williams are believed to be keen to avoid the scenario of last year when they made a late decision on Nick Heidfeld, so as to give Rosberg as much winter testing mileage as possible to get up to speed.

Rosberg is confident that he will be able to perform well against Webber.

"It shouldn't be a problem to drive against Mark as long as I get a lot of winter testing," he was quoted as saying by Autosport. "I need to get enough kilometres to make sure I'm ready but apart from that I'm okay."

Rosberg's appointment leaves the future of test driver Antonio Pizzonia open to doubt. The Brazilian said earlier this week that he would consider taking the third Williams drive for 2006, although he is also believed to be in talks with other F1 teams.