Gridcrasher rates each driver based on their performance in 2008

Kazuki Nakajima (Williams)

Best finish: 6th (Australia)
Best qualifying: 11th (Europe)
Total points: 9

The story of his season: Poor in qualifying, solid in races - that sums up Kazuki’s first full F1 season. It’s difficult to judge his true pace and potential, given that he has been burdened with a relatively poor car, but for a rookie he has shown a useful ability to stay on the road in difficult conditions. His fine drive at Monaco, on a very treacherous track, was a sign that he has a bright future.

Gridcrasher verdict: Sir Frank Williams was right to stick with Nakajima for 2009, even if nine points is a slightly disappointing return. And it’s good to have at least one humble driver in the pit lane. That said, a bit more aggression might be needed for if he is ever to really make progress in a sport that favours the brave - team-mate Nico Rosberg has made more mistakes than Kazuki, but the German has scored almost twice as many points.There is a lesson for the Japanese driver there.

Grade: C

How do you rate Nakajima this season?