Sir Frank Williams has confirmed that his team will return to Cosworth engines for the 2010 F1 season.

The team confirmed earlier this month that it was to end its deal with Toyota at the end of the campaign, with the early speculation suggesting that a return to Cosworth was the most likely option next year as the engine manufacturer makes its F1 return.

Ahead of this weekend's season finale in Abu Dhabi, Williams confirmed that his team will indeed return to Cosworth for the new campaign with the choice being the best one available for 2010.

“Cosworth have impressed us with the quality of their technical team and convinced us that their programme will deliver a competitive Formula One engine," he said. "In addition, like Williams, Cosworth is an independent company whose owners share our passion for racing and engineering.

"We believe that, working together, we will develop not only a competitive racing car for 2010 but also a long-term partnership that can take on the best in Formula One."

Cosworth's general manager for F1 Mark Gallagher added that the company was thrilled to have Williams onboard for next season.

“Cosworth is delighted to be renewing our partnership with Williams," he said. "We look forward to forging a long-standing relationship, not only for the supply of competitive Formula One engines, but also in the joint development of new technologies that have wider application outside of Formula One."

Current Williams driver Nico Rosberg confirmed yesterday [Thursday] that he will leave the team following the Abu Dhabi race – with a move to Brawn or McLaren being mooted – and Williams revealed that his team's 2010 driver line-up will be revealed next week.

Brawn GP driver Rubens Barrichello and current Williams tester Nico Hulkenberg are expected to race for the Grove-based outfit next year.

“Our performance needs to improve,” Williams added in an interview with the Gulf News. “We staggered in the second half of the 2009 season. It's fundamental that the car is not fast enough, but from what I've seen, we should have been a little more competitive.

“We will announce our drivers for next season on Monday. Nico will be leaving and we just thought it was quite a long time. There are a few things going on at Williams for next season, with our engines, so we thought we can do better. Nico is German and Mercedes need at least one German driver to sit before their engine.”