Son of former Formula One racer Satoru, Kazuki Nakajima got his Formula One test break with Williams Toyota in 2007.

Under the watchful eye of his Father, Kazuki became Suzuka Formula ICA karting champion at the age of 14 before becoming part of the Toyota Young Driver programme.

In 2003 Nakajima competed in Formula Toyota in Japan taking the title before finishing fifth and then second in Japanese F3 in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

Formula 3 Euroseries followed in 2006 with Manor Motorsport where Nakajima finished the season seventh. However, with Toyota supplying the Williams team with engines in 2007, the door opened for Nakajima to take a test role with the Grove-based team.

With Alex Wurz failing to shine at Williams and announcing his retirement as a Grand Prix driver, the team opted to give Nakajima his F1 race debut at the season finale in Brazil. Nakajima qualified 19th and despite knocking over his crew during his pit stop, finished in tenth position.

The Japanese racer got a full time ride with Williams in 2008 alongside Nico Rosberg and despite the odd rookie blunder, put in an impressive season and on occasion was able to put his vastly more experienced team-mate under pressure.

Nakajima scored nine points and finished the season 15th overall. He remains with the team in 2009.