Rubens Barrichello has thanked Brawn GP following the conclusion to the 2009 F1 season in Abu Dhabi on Sunday - and confirmation today, as expected, that he will join the AT&T Williams F1 team in 2010.

The Brazilian went into the weekend hoping to secure second in the F1 drivers' championship, however he eventually lost out to Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who took the victory at the new Yas Marina Circuit and the vice-champions spot.

Barrichello had to settle for fourth in the race - his final outing with the Brackley-based outfit compromised at the start when he made slight contact with Mark Webber going into turn one and damaged his front wing.

"We had a pretty competitive race today," said the Williams-bound man, who made his F1 debut with Jordan way back in 1993 and who won twice this year, in Valencia and at Monza.

"The start was quite exciting and I went to the inside at turn one but unfortunately I collided slightly with Mark and he took a chunk of my front wing with him. It lost me a lot of downforce initially which let Jenson [Button] past but I was able to live with the understeer so we decided not to change the nose and I just pushed as hard as possible.

"I was quicker than Jenson in the middle stint but it's very difficult to overtake, even more so when it's your team-mate in the same car, so there was nothing I could do to get past him.

"Still it was a competitive race throughout and a lot of fun so I have to be pleased with fourth position today. It's truly been a great season and I have to thank the team for giving me a car that has been so competitive this year and the opportunity to return to winning ways again. We've had a great year together."

Team boss Ross Brawn meanwhile was full of praise for both Barrichello - and Jenson Button, who took third in the sister car and who enjoyed a thrilling fight with Webber in the dying few laps for P2.

"A strong race from both drivers today and another podium finish is a great way to round off what has been a very successful season for the team. Jenson and Rubens both drove extremely well with Jenson providing a fantastic last lap of racing to bring the 2009 F1 season to its conclusion," Brawn added.