Williams has no doubts about Rosberg

Webber's option with Williams for 2007 was not taken up by the team on Monday, which effectively leaves the Australian as a free agent at the moment.

He has already been linked with drives at Renault and Red Bull Racing, although there is the possibility that he will negotiate a new deal with Williams to remain on board.

While that situation remains uncertain, Williams is adamant that Rosberg will stay on with the team after his showings this season.

"We recognise that Germany is an important market, and he's extremely talented," explained Williams, who signed Rosberg after he captured last year's GP2 title.

"Those are the two main reasons we want to keep him close and at the team for the long-term. He could be a champion in the future."

Rosberg grabbed the headlines in Bahrain when he scored points and set the fastest lap of the race on his debut.

Although he has not been able to repeat that performance, Williams believes he has seen enough to be convinced about the German's potential. And he is well aware that Rosberg can only do as well as his machinery will let him.

"He's a new driver, there's a lot of expectation on him, too much too soon," said Williams.  "He was very good in the first race and the car was competitive.

"Then we were left behind a bit in the first four European races. Then we did something with the car that was a bit of a mistake.

"We're delighted with Nico's performances. He makes mistakes, but you're bound to make them when you're young and it's your first year in.

"He's exceptionally bright, he only makes one mistake - never forgets it and doesn't do it again."

Although Webber may not remain with the team, Williams said at Hockenheim last weekend that he was equally impressed with the job the Australian had done this season.

"He's really raised his game, he's overtaken a lot of cars at the start and during the event itself," he said. "I don't think he's crashed the car by his own efforts this year.

"He really has made a big step forward. He's totally apolitical, which is a rare privilege to have a driver like that. He's very constructive outside the cockpit, too."