Alex Zanardi is to return to the Formula One circuit next season to lead Williams's challenge for honours. The 31-year-old IndyCar champion will be joined in the Williams team by Ralf Schumacher, younger brother of Formula One title chaser Michael and Jordan team-mate of former world champion Damon Hill.
Italian driver Zanardi's return to Formula One after a three-year absence ends a remarkable stint in CART racing in America.
Driving for the Target/Chip Ganassi team, Zanardi won the Rookie of the Year title in 1996 and followed that up by winning consecutive drivers' championships, sealing the 1998 crown in Vancouver on September 6th, with four races of the season still remaining.
He has recorded 14 victories and 25 podium finishes in 48 CART races and is one of only three drivers to have recorded back-to-back title triumphs.
"I've had opportunities to leave the team earlier on, but I never considered them because I felt staying with Target/Chip Ganassi was the best opportunity for me at that time," said Zanardi.
"I feel I have got the most out of my three years and now it's time to turn a page in my career.
"I had a lot of choices and in the end I felt that driving for Williams would provide me with a fantastic technical package and fulfil my personal needs."
The move back to Formula One will also mean he can spend more time with his wife Daniela and two-week old son Niccolo at their family home in Monte Carlo.
Schumacher's arrival means that the Williams team will have a completely new look next season, with outgoing world champion Jacques Villeneuve, who also joined Williams after a successful IndyCar career, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen both leaving the team.
"We believe we have a very strong line-up for the 1999 season," said team boss Frank Williams.
"Both drivers will bring their own special qualities to the team.
"We are excited at the prospect of welcoming a second `trans-atlantic' champion to the team in Alex. And Ralf is showing great potential and we strongly believe that he has a remarkable career ahead of him.
"They are both `racers' and should be good competition for each other."
