NAKAJIMA Continues At Williams In 2009

Kazuki Nakajima will continue at Williams next year after the Grove-based team confirmed an unchanged driver line-up for 2009.

The Japanese driver has scored several points finishes this year and also has close links with Williams's engine partner Toyota.

Rosberg was already signed up for the 2009 season after extending his contract last winter. Although having a disappointing middle part to this season, the German has taken two podium finishes - including a best-ever second place finish in Singapore last weekend.

The team have high hopes that the two drivers, plus tester Nico Hulkenberg, will help them make further progress up the grid next year.

Team boss Frank Williams said: "I am delighted we are able to maintain continuity with our drivers going into 2009.

"Nico Rosberg continues to be one of the most capable drivers in the sport. Kazuki is getting stronger all the time and has more to offer and Nico Hulkenberg is developing well."

 

I just read this, and I have to say I'm a little shocked. He really hasn't done anything this year. There has to be better drivers out there...Sutil? But, if he's tied to Toyota I can see why he's still there. Maybe in the off season he'll figure out how to compete with Nico.

Mark

 

I agree, he should go.

Sad news but it's all due to the pressure from engine partner Toyota......

 

Yes, hi. Joe Blow from RaceFan magazine. Just a couple questions, Mr. Williams. First...um, let's see...oh yeah...WHY?!?!

 

As in $.
On a positive note he didnt suck quite as badly as I thought he would.

 

well, he's scored about half the points of Williams. why should he go?

 

He's scored half the points Rosberg has--17-9. But neither of them have been lighting things up, especially after the season-opening 3-6 finish. Kaz has had two 1-point finishes in the last 9 races, that's it. Not sure where they draw the line between car and driver, but I don't know if he's worth a press announcement.

 

he's a nice kid, did better than i expected (i mean, when was the last GOOD japanese driver? apart from sato's one or two overtaking moves last season, his erm, 4 seasons so far mostly involved crashing into things and be more offroad than on it...), but there are better drivers out there at the moment. why cant he test drive for toyota for instance?

 

Toyota has their own Japanese driver in Kamui Kobayashi. he's also in Gp2, he was unimpressive last year, and this year, and is at it again next season.

I'm not thrilled to see Nakajima stay, to say the least. I will say, that I expected him to be less consistent and more Satoish.

 

A good rookie year. He has time to develop, and I can see a podium for him soon.

 

This is a great move. He can run into the people challenging Nico for points.

 

The next one will be the first.

Not to mention the evil genius of Usual Suspects!

 

i think he should be replaced if he's getting whooped like how Lewis is whooping Kova. point is, the Williams car sucks pretty much this season.

 

Kaz isn't doing badly this year. I think he's earned another year at least.

 

Well, he's better than Sato was...