Nakajima to make F1 race debut for Williams

LONDON, Oct 9 (Reuters) Japan's Kazuki Nakajima will make his Formula One race debut for Williams in next week's season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, the team said in a statement today.

Nakajima, son of former grand prix racer Satoru, replaces Austrian Alexander Wurz who announced his retirement after Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix.

The 22-year old Japanese driver, rookie of the year in this year's GP2 support series, has been Williams' test and reserve driver this year and has taken part in Friday practice at five races.

The Toyota-powered team said the race at Interlagos was not an evaluation of Nakajima for a race seat in 2008.

''You cannot assess a driver's capability on the basis of one race but this is an ideal opportunity to develop kazuki'sexperience,'' said team boss Frank Williams in a statement.

''I am confident he will approach the race in a very workmanlike and focused way.'' Nakajima, whose team mate at Interlagos will be Germany's Nico Rosberg, welcomed the 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,'' said the Japanese.

REUTERS PDS VC1904