Williams Formula One team has announced today their drivers line up for next year, with Ralf Schumacher and Alex Zanardi. Team owner Frank Williams welcomed the two driver, saying: "We are excited at the prospect of welcoming a second 'transatlantic' champion to the team in Alex, and Ralf is showing great potential."

Zanardi, who recently secured his second CART Championship title, thanked his Target team for the three years he drove for them. "It has been a fantastic three-year relationship with my friends at Target/Chip Ganassi Racing. Honestly, I've had opportunities to leave the team earlier on, but I never considered them because I felt staying with Chip was the best opportunity for me at the time."

Ralf Schumacher had this to say about moving to Williams: "I am very proud that one of the most successful teams in Formula One have signed me. I will do my best for them and together with Alex I hope we can return Williams to the front of the grid during the 1999 season."

Zanardi and Ralf will replace 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who are headed to BAR and Jordan, respectively, next season.