UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Nakajima will race in Brazil

Japanese to get a race

As expected Williams have confirmed test driver Kazuki Nakajima will step up to the race seat, in place of Alex Wurz, for the final race of the year at Interlagos, Brazil, in just under two weeks time.

Nakajima, who has raced in the GP2 series this year, has been testing for the team all season and has also been given time in the car in Friday practice, most recently last weekend in Japan.

Sir Frank Williams’ recent comments referring to young Japanese, son of ex-F1 drive Satoru Nakajima, as ‘F1 material’ led to much speculation that he may be in line for a full time race seat in 2008, with today’s announcement adding to that likelihood.

Following the announcement Nakajima said:

“I am very grateful to the team who have given me this opportunity. I hope I now know the car very well and thankfully have done some Friday driving as recently as Shanghai. This is a chance I intend to grab with both hands and repay the faith the team are showing in me with a strong performance."

Williams, meanwhile, appeared to play down the announcement as a precursor to a 2008 race drive, explaining:

"You cannot assess a driver's capability on the basis of one race but this is an ideal opportunity to develop Kazuki's experience," explained Williams. I am confident he will approach the race in a very workmanlike and focused way."

Alex Wurz announced his retirement from the sport yesterday – with immediate effect – although rumours continue to link him with a non-driving role in F1, most likely with the Williams team.

Written: Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:43:28