Motorsport: Hulkenberg axed

Formula One team Williams have retained veteran driver Rubens Barrichello for next season, but have released promising German rookie Nico Hulkenberg.

Williams have lost several sponsors and are in desperate need for a driver who pays for his seat with the most commonly mentioned name being that of Venezuela's GP2 champion Pastor Maldonada, who would bring in around $US15m.

"We wish the best to Nico Hulkenberg and we hope that our paths cross again in the future," founder and owner Sir Frank Williams said.

- NEWSTALK ZB