Formula 1 News

Williams confirm Rubens Barrichello for 2011 

The Williams F1 team confirmed today that veteran F1 driver Rubens Barrichello will continue to drive for the team in 2011. The team’s second driver will be confirmed before the end of the year.

Barrichello enjoyed a successful first season with Williams, and his 18th in the sport. The Brazilian drove his FW32 into the qualifying top ten a total of 13 times and claimed 10 points scoring finishes over the year, all of which helped the team move forward to sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship at yesterday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Grove based team announced also that Nico Hulkenberg will not contest the 2011 FIA World Championship with AT&T Williams.

Hulkenberg joined the squad as a rookie at the start of the season, following a dominating career in Formula 3 and GP2 supported by Williams. Convincing performances in his debut year in Formula One culminated in 14th place in the Drivers’ Championship and an undoubtedly bright future in the sport. The team thanked Hulkenberg for his dedication and team work over the past year, and for delivering a memorable first pole position in five seasons for the team at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix.

“First, I would like to thank Nico for his hard work this year, and before that in preparing himself for Formula One,” said Frank Williams upon the announcement. “We are very proud to have supported him as he secured the Formula 3 and GP2 titles and during his debut in Formula One. At Williams we have for many years tried to bring new talent into the sport, and we are convinced that Nico will go on to great things. We wish him well and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.”

“We recruited Rubens to Williams knowing that he would bring technical expertise, experience and passion,” continued Williams. “He has delivered everything we could have hoped for this season and we are delighted to confirm that he will drive for us again in 2011.”

source: Williams