Venezuela's Pastor Maldonado will once again drive for Williams in 2012, the Grove-based team confirmed on Thursday. The 26-year-old's team-mate is yet to be announced, but it has been revealed that reigning GP3 Champion Valtteri Bottas will take up the role of reserve driver, including 15 Friday practice outings.
Maldonado, whose place at the squad was recently put in doubt as a result of potential issues with major sponsor PDVSA, made his F1 debut this season. Having claimed the GP2 title in 2010, he started steadily alongside experienced team-mate Rubens Barrichello, before upping his pace and impressively making the final stage of qualifying in Spain.
The Maracay man's finest weekend arguably occurred on the streets of Monte-Carlo, having qualified inside the top ten once again, before being tapped into the barriers by Lewis Hamilton whilst running in sixth place. A hard-fought point was achieved at Spa-Francorchamps, his first and only of the season.
"I am delighted to be able to continue with Williams into my second season and I will give my very best to help the team as we push to return to the front of the grid," Maldonado explained of his contract extension. "This has been a tough season for the whole team but it has given me personally the opportunity to learn and develop.
"I am convinced that the steps we have taken to improve our competitiveness will bear fruit in 2012 and beyond. I am thrilled to be part of that and also to represent the people of Venezuela in Formula 1."
Bottas was also delighted with his enhanced deal, receiving a slight promotion - having previously held the role of test driver - ahead of the 2012 campaign.
"I would like to thank Frank Williams and the whole team for the investment that everyone at Williams has made to help me over the past two years," the 22-year-old Finn explained. "The opportunity now to continue this unique development with the position of Reserve Driver will enable me to gain essential experience as part of the race team in 2012.
"In this position, I will do my utmost to help the team to set up for a great race weekend and also look forward to playing a role off the track with the team at the factory and with our partners."
Series
Formula 1
Personalities
Pastor Maldonado
Teams
Williams
Other
Get your official Formula 1 tickets at Sportstadium.com
| Pastor Maldonado | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Pastor Maldonado photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
