Rosberg and Barrichello to swap seats
11/23/09 (GMM) Confirmation of Nico Rosberg's move to Mercedes GP is edging nearer, with both sides now alluding to a deal.
It is an open secret that the 24-year-old German has inked a contract to race with the Brackley based team in 2009.
Asked about his lineup for 2010, boss Ross Brawn told Germany's Bild: "I cannot tell you yet. My desire is to have two experienced drivers."
Told that both Rosberg and Nick Heidfeld are on the market, the Briton added: "After four years in formula one, I would count Nico Rosberg as an experienced driver."
It is also believed that, over the weekend, Rosberg gave an interview in which he hinted strongly that his 2010 employer will be Brawn/Mercedes.
10/14/09 (GMM) Nico Rosberg has added to Rubens Barrichello's denial that Williams has now settled on a driver line-up for the 2010 season. It is heavily rumored that the German and Brazilian drivers are set to swap seats at the end of this season, with 24-year-old Rosberg headed to Brawn and the Brazilian veteran to fill his spot at the Grove based team.
Brazilian media reports this week said the deals are done.
"I have spoken with Frank Williams and I know that absolutely nothing has been completed," Rosberg is quoted by the EFE news agency as having said in Sao Paulo ahead of this weekend's Brazilian grand prix.
37-year-old Barrichello however admitted that talks are taking place.
"I haven't signed any papers, but that it's true there are talks with Williams and with Brawn, there's no doubt," said the Brawn driver.
In the midst of a title fight with his teammate Jenson Button, he indicated he is delighted with his current situation, after his future appeared particularly dim prior to the 2009 season.
"Today I feel very honored that there are teams trying (to sign me) and that my situation is a lot better than for some time," Barrichello said.
10/13/09 Brawn GP driver Rubens Barrichello said Tuesday he was in talks with Williams and was sure to remain in Formula One next season. The Brazilian denied, however, he had already signed a deal with Williams, saying he was also in discussions to renew with his present team.
"That it's true there are talks with Williams and with Brawn, there's no doubt. But that I haven't signed any papers, I can also say I haven't," Barrichello said. "I read about everything that's been said and made it quite clear that this is a very special moment for me in Formula One," he told reporters. "Today I feel very honored that there are teams trying (for me), that there are teams I'm talking to and that my situation is a lot better than for some time."
10/13/09 (GMM) Multiple Brazilian media sources are reporting that Rubens Barrichello has now signed a contract to switch to the Williams team from 2010.
The emerging news was on Monday played down by the Brazilian veteran's camp, but the same story is now being confidently reported by major outlets including Globo television and the Folha de S.Paulo newspaper.
In Williams' official preview of the Brazilian grand prix, the team listed as a 'Hot Topic': "What next for the driver market?"
Folha de S.Paulo said the deal is for the 2010 season with an option to include 2011, and represents a significant pay rise for the native Paulista, whose place at Brawn is to be taken by Nico Rosberg, who has driven for Williams since 2006.
The Brazilian sources also believe 2009 GP2 champion Nico Hulkenberg will be 37-year-old Barrichello's teammate.
10/12/09 TV Globo in Brazil has announced that Rubens Barrichello will be at Williams in 2010, with Cosworth engines. It is anticipated that the Brazilian veteran will be partnered by rising German star Nico Hulkenberg, who recently won the GP2 Championship. The official announcement of the deal will probably not come before the end of the season but it clears the way also for confirmation that Williams driver Nico Rosberg is moving to Brawn, to replace Rubens.
09/30/09 According to a report in Autosport, Rubens Barrichello is closing in on a deal with Williams for 2010, in a move that could see him swap places with Nico Rosberg.
With Williams expected to sign rookie Nico Hulkenberg, the team has set its sights on an experienced team leader to help guide car development and help bring on a rookie teammate.
Rosberg has also been rumored to be going to McLaren. We have updated our 2010 F1 Silly Season page above.