F1: Mercedes GP Signs Nico Rosberg

'NEW' F1 TEAM Mercedes GP has today announced the signing of its first new driver in Nico Rosberg, who will swap seats at Williams with outgoing Brawn GP driver Rubens Barrichello.

A Finnish citizen, the 24 year-old Rosberg was born in Germany and races with a German licence.

"I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes," Rosberg said.

"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, boss of Brawn GP and team principal of its successor in Mercedes GP, recalled memories of working with Rosberg's father.

"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," Brawn said.

"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."

[caption id="attachment_46474" align="aligncenter" width="555" caption="BMW driver Nick Heidfeld has been mooted as a possible partner for Nico Rosberg at Mercedes GP."][/caption]

Rosberg's signing forms the first half of Mercedes GP's rumoured all-German line-up.

The team is reportedly wooing former BMW steerer Nick Heidfeld to join Rosberg, while rumours persist of a possible deal for seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher.

Kimi Raikkonen, who recently declared that he would take a sabbatical from the championship, has been rumoured as a possible contender for Jenson Button's now vacant seat at the former Brawn GP team.

Rosberg finished seventh in the drivers' championship this year, his fourth (and final) season with Williams.