Monday October 7th, 2002

Nico Rosberg, the son of 1982 Formula One World Champion Keke, will get a chance to test drive a Williams at the end of the year, it was announced today.

17-year old Rosberg won the Formula BMW ADAC title recently at Hockenheim and the Finn will be able to drive the BMW-powered FW24 in a test before the end of 2002. The date or the place are yet to determined.

"It's not that every winner of the Formula BMW ADAC Championship is automatically offered a test drive, but in special cases we like to give exceptionally talented drivers a taster of the world of Formula One," said BMW motorsport director Gerhard Berger.

"Nico has potential, and he should have the opportunity to drive a Formula One car without being under any pressure. There's a ban on Formula One testing for the next few weeks. Once that's over we'll find a slot for Nico."

Rosberg, whose father won the 1982 title with Williams, was delighted with the opportunity.

"This is the most incredible present I've ever received. I'm over the moon," he said.

Published at 09:44:38 GMT