Although it will come as a surprise to no one Nico Rosberg was officially announced as a Mercedes GP driver for the 2010 F1 season. The 24 yr old Germans announcement comes as no surprise as he was predicted to make to move since he announced his departure from Williams in October.

"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 in March."

Ross Brawn who will continue as team principal after the Mercedes buy out seems confident in the abilities that Rosberg has.

"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.

"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."

Rosberg's team mate has yet to be announced but it seems likely that it will be fellow German Nick Heidfeld although there is still talk of Kimi Raikkonen and even Michael Schumacher filling the remaining seat.