PARIS, Oct 2, 2008 (AFP) - Drivers Nico Rosberg of Germany and Kazuki Nakajima of Japan have been retained by Williams for the 2009 Formula One World Championship season.

A statement from the British team said they were 'confident in the abilities of Nico Rosberg to apply his talent and experience to lead the important introduction of the FW31 next season.

'Kazuki Nakajima has built on his consistency to improve steadily throughout the season. It is the team?s expectation that Kazuki will be able to build his natural pace on this firm foundation next season,' the statement added.

Another German, Nico Hulkenberg, who is currently leading the Formula 3 Euroseries, will continue as the official test driver.

Commenting on the driver line-up for 2009, Williams Team Principal Frank Williams said: 'I am delighted we are able to maintain continuity with our drivers going into 2009.

'Nico Rosberg continues to be one of the most capable drivers in the sport. Kazuki is getting stronger all the time and has more to offer and Nico Hulkenberg is developing well.'

Rosberg and Nakajima are currently lying 12th and 15 respectively in drivers overall standings for 2008 and the team is in eighth place.