Mercedes have today announced one half of their line up for the 2010 season – Nico Rosberg.

The 24-year-old German Rosberg, previously at Williams is the son of  former F1 world champion Keke Rosberg. Nico has never won a race in his 70 Grand Prix starts, and has only ever scored 2 podiums, but he is a consistent points scorer with 75.5 career points. Mercedes could clearly see his potential – Team principal Ross Brawn said;

“We are delighted to welcome Nico Rosberg to our Mercedes team and are very much looking forward to working with him. 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. I had the pleasure of working with his father Keke during his Formula One career and it is great to see Nico following in his footsteps. 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.”

And Rosberg said;

“I am really happy to be a part of the Silver Arrows re-launch in 2010 as a driver for Mercedes. 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 on 14 March 2010.”

Who will join Rosberg at Mercedes is still up for speculation, although it seems whoever joins the team will be German, with Mercedes wanting an all German ‘super team’. Michael Schumacher or Nick Heidfeld seem likely candidates.