DECEMBER 1, 2011

Maldonado confirmed at Williams, Bottas joins as reserve driver

Williams F1 announced today that Pastor Maldonado will continue to drive for the English team in 2012.

Pastor Maldonado, Italian GP 2011
© The Cahier Archive

Williams F1 announced today that Pastor Maldonado will continue to drive for the English team in 2012.

It has been anticipated that the Venezuelan driver would continue with Williams next year, as he has strong backing by the government run PDVSA oil company.

Team principal Frank Williams said, "Pastor has proven this year that he is not only quick but also that he is able to maintain a consistent and strong race pace. Pastor has been responsible for all of our forays into Q3 in 2011 and his race at Monaco was outstanding. Pastor has also settled into the team at Williams very well, contributing strongly in the factory and with our partners. He will play a critical role in 2012 as we rebuild the team and move forward."

Maldonado said, "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. 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 One."

The team also announced that reigning GP3 champion Valtteri Bottas has been promoted to the role of Reserve Driver. The Finn took one pole position and four race wins on his way to the title this season.

On Valtteri, Frank Williams said, "We have a very specific approach to young driver development, working with one highly talented individual over a period of years. Valtteri has proved a very capable and rounded young man of fierce determination. As the team's Reserve Driver, we anticipate that Valtteri will participate in a Friday practice session at 15 Grands Prix next year, most likely with a more experienced driver taking over for the remainder of the race weekend. We will announce the identity of that driver in due course."

Valtteri said, "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 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."

Maldonado's team mate for next season has not yet been named - Rubens Barrichello waiting to see if he is still in the picture or wether funding concerns will dictate the neccessity of taking on a pay driver.