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Pastor Maldonado Lands 2011 F1 Seat with Williams

The incertitude regarded the 2011 drivers lineup of Williams F1 Team is over. In an official statement for the media on Wednesday, the Grove based team confirmed GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado as Rubens Barrichello's teammate for the upcoming season of the series.

The 25-year old driver will therefore become the first Venezuelan racer since 1984 (Johnny Cecotto) to drive in Formula One. Needless to say, the contract was signed for only one season, as team owner Frank Williams revealed he's looking forward to seeing his new driver develop throughout the 2011 campaign.

Pastor first caught my eye in 2007 when he drove a masterful race at Monaco,” revealed Williams. “Since then, he has regularly reminded us of his unquestionable talent with some skilful wins, particularly during this year’s GP2 championship, taking an unsurpassed record of six successive victories.

Of course, we already know Pastor from the time he spent with the team at the Abu Dhabi test, but we are very much looking forward to developing his talent over the winter and a fruitful season with him next year.”

Maldonado was excited to say the least about the opportunity to make his F1 debut from as early as next season, especially since it will happen with a team of Williams F1's stature.

I feel very privileged that Williams has selected me as one of their race drivers. It is a great way to end what has already been an amazing year for me. I tested with the team in Abu Dhabi, but can’t wait to start working with everyone properly to be in the best possible shape going into next year,” said the GP2 graduate, who will replace former teammate in the GP2 series Nico Hulkenberg.

I will be doing my best over the winter to prepare myself, and I know the team will be working hard to ensure a successful season. 2011 will be the first time in nearly thirty years that a Venezuelan has driven a Formula One car so I will be looking to get some good results in return for the support my country has given me to help get me to this position today.”
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