Williams have dropped Nico Hulkenberg for next season even though the German driver was fastest in qualifying for the recent Brazilian Grand Prix. However, Hulkenberg's manager is confident that he will get his client a drive for 2011.

Hulkenberg issued a statement that read: "I would have been happy to stay with Williams but I want to thank the team for a great time and I wish Williams all the best for the future."

His manager, Willi Weber, added: "I am negotiating with other teams. Nico will have his seat in F1 in 2011."

GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado is expected to replace Hulkenberg at Williams, with Weber being quoted before Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as saying: "They have probably already done a deal with Pastor."

Meanwhile, team boss Frank Williams has confirmed that Rubens Barrichello will be staying with the team in 2011, saying: "'First, I would like to thank Nico for his hard work this year and before that in preparing himself for Formula One.

"We are very proud to have supported him as he secured the Formula 3 and GP2 titles and during his debut in Formula One.

"At Williams we have for many years tried to bring new talent into the sport and we are convinced that Nico will go on to great things. We wish him well and hope that our paths will cross again in the future.

"We recruited Rubens to Williams knowing that he would bring technical expertise, experience and passion. He has delivered everything we could have hoped for this season and we are delighted to confirm that he will drive for us again in 2011."

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