Brawn backs Rosberg to replace Button

Ross Brawn has backed Nico Rosberg's ability to effectively replace the team's departed new world champion Jenson Button.

Amid the transition from Brawn GP to the Mercedes works team, Briton Button announced his departure to McLaren after seven years with the Brackley based outfit.

German Rosberg, 24, has already been confirmed as Mercedes' first driver for 2010, and it is rumoured that Nick Heidfeld - another driver who is yet to record a single Grand Prix victory - might be his teammate.

But boss Brawn told Britain's ITN that Rosberg is a driver in the same mold as Briton Button, who won six races in 2009 alongside two-time season winner Rubens Barrichello.

"I think that Nico has all the potential that Jenson showed over the years, but never had the opportunity to prove it.

"He's just not been in the right team at the right time," added Brawn.

Rosberg made his debut with Williams in 2006, and to date has captured 2 podium results and 75.5 points.