Formula One news

Williams surprised to keep Rosberg

Frank Williams has admitted that he is surprised he was able to keep Nico Rosberg on his books after the closing stages of last season brought rampant speculation that he would move to McLaren to replace Fernando Alonso.

"I was a little surprised that he was happy to sign and stay," Williams said. "I feared he would go to McLaren and I was a bit surprised he didn't. He couldn't have gone there this year, he had a fixed contract, but 2009 was going to be the worry. We had an option for 2009 but it was very tough terms, based on the constructors' championship. It was by no means guaranteed we'd achieve it."

Rosberg signed to extend his deal to the end of the 2009 season. Williams revealed that he received a large offer from McLaren but that they never considered it.

"We had an offer from you know who, of majestic proportions, but it was never even discussed," he revealed. "Why would we give away the crown jewels? Why bother improving the car by one second if we then give away half a second with the driver."

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