Nakajima gets green light for Brazil

The 22-year-old Japanese driver will make his big race debut for the RBS-sponsored team in Sao Paulo after Alex Wurz announced his retirement from F1.

It's a fitting reward for Nakajima, who has covered more than 7000km in testing for Williams since he joined the team in November 2006.

But it won't decide his long-term future at Williams - one way or the other - with team bosses insisting that he'll be under no pressure in Brazil.

"You can't assess a driver's capability on the basis of one race," said team principal Sir Frank Williams, "but this is an ideal opportunity to develop Kazuki's experience."

Nevertheless, after being named 2007 Rookie of the Year in the GP2 Series, Nakajima is determined to make the most of the opportunity - and fill Wurz's seat permanently.

He said: "I am very grateful to the team for giving me this opportunity. This is a chance I intend to grab with both hands, and repay the faith the team are showing in me with a strong performance."

Meanwhile, Wurz has revealed that he has no regrets about turning his back on F1 after 10 years, 69 races and three podium finishes.

The father-of-three said: "In such a hard-fought environment as Formula One, I have always maintained that if you have a moment's doubt about what you are doing, it's time to stop."

Wurz said that finishing third at the Canadian Grand Prix in his final season with Williams was one of the highlights of his career.

And, in response, Frank Williams paid tribute to the Austrian. He said: "Alex has made an invaluable contribution to the team for the past two years."