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Fri, Oct 30, 2009
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Williams to announce 2010 drivers next week

ABU DHABI, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Williams will use Cosworth engines next season with their 2010 driver lineup to be announced next week, the Formula One team said on Friday.

Williams said in a statement at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that they had signed a long-term agreement with Cosworth, who last powered them in 2006, to replace Toyota.

"Cosworth have impressed us with the quality of their technical team and convinced us that their programme will deliver a competitive Formula One engine," said team owner Frank Williams.

"In addition, like Williams, Cosworth is an independent company whose owners share our passion for racing and engineering.

"We believe that, working together, we will develop not only a competitive racing car for 2010 but also a long-term partnership that can take on the best in Formula One."

Williams, whose team are former champions but last won in 2004, was quoted in the Gulf News newspaper as saying the drivers would be announced on Monday.

A team spokesman said it would certainly be next week.

Germany's Nico Rosberg has already said he was leaving the team after Sunday's race, with Williams widely expected to name an all-new pairing of Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello and Germany's GP2 champion Nico Hulkenberg.

Japan's Kazuki Nakajima, Rosberg's team mate this season, is a Toyota-backed driver and set to leave after Williams decided not to continue with the manufacturer's engines. Nakajima has also failed to score a point this year.

Barrichello, 37, has won two races this year with new champions Brawn and is fighting for second place in the standings.

"I'm very hopeful of having a very competitive car next year," the Brazilian told reporters in Abu Dhabi, without confirming any move.

"Williams has always been a team that anyone would look at. That is no different right now. Anyone would look at a position at Williams because it's one of the best teams out there, and they are on their way up."

Rosberg is tipped to take his place at Mercedes-powered Brawn.

Williams said the team's performance overall needed to improve next year. They are currently sixth overall in the constructors' standings.

"We staggered in the second half of the 2009 season. It's fundamental that the car is not fast enough, but from what I've seen we should have been a little more competitive," he told the Gulf News.

 

 
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