Official: Rosberg's off to Mercedes GP

Mercedes GP have finally confirmed one of the worst kept secrets in F1: Nico Rosberg will race for them next season.

Even before announcing his departure from Williams back in October, Rosberg was being linked to a 2010 race-seat with McLaren-Mercedes.

However, Mercedes' bought a majority stake in Brawn GP last week and almost immediately the rumour mill put Rosberg Mercedes GP.

It's a dream come true for German driver Rosberg as he gears up for the return of the Silver Arrows into F1.

"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, who will continue in his role as team boss of Merc GP, has welcomed Rosberg to the team, confident that the 24-year-old will continue to grow as the team bids for back-to-back titles.

"We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him," said Brawn;

"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."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "I saw Nico racing karts alongside Lewis Hamilton and later in the support programme of the DTM events - I have known him since he was a young boy.

"Early on it was obvious that he would make his way as a race driver and we are glad that after four years with Williams he will now be one of our drivers at Mercedes.

"It makes our re-start even nicer, that we have as talented and sympathetic a driver as Nico in our line-up.

"Nico has positive ambitions, we have positive ambitions and together we want to achieve a great deal. I am really looking forward to working with him."

Source: It's official: Rosberg's off to Mercedes GP - Planet-F1 News - from planet-f1.com