Official: Williams confirms Maldonado, Bottas as reserve
The team based in Grove confirms Pastor Maldonado in his role for the 2012 season, despite the ongoing investigation into the validity of the sponsorship contract linking PDVSA and the British team. Promoted to third driver and reserve, Valtteri Bottas will participate in Friday morning tests while Williams takes time to consider before officially announcing the potential successor to Rubens Barrichello.
Williams officially confirmed on Thursday that Pastor Maldonado will be a main driver in 2012, while Valtteri Bottas, recently evaluated during the young drivers’ days in Abu Dhabi, is expected to participate in 15 Friday morning practice sessions and serve as a reserve driver.
« Pastor has proven this year that he is not only fast but also capable of maintaining a rapid and consistent pace during the race. He was responsible for all our appearances in Q3 this season, and his race in Monaco was exceptional. He has also integrated well within the Williams team, being proactive both at the factory and with our partners. He will play a crucial role in 2012 as we rebuild the team and move forward » declares Franck Williams.
On his side, Pastor Maldonado, who had expressed confidence in keeping his seat in 2012 despite the investigation in Venezuela regarding the validity of his sponsorship by PDVSA, is thrilled at the prospect of contributing to the new start of the British team: “I am delighted to be able to continue with Williams for my second season, and I will do my best to help the team as we push to return to the forefront. The season has been difficult for the entire team, but it has personally given me the opportunity to learn and develop. I am confident that the steps we have taken to improve our competitiveness will bear fruit in 2012 and beyond. I look forward to being part of it and also to representing the Venezuelan people in Formula One.”
For his part, once cited as a potential starter, Valtteri Bottas inherits the position of third driver and reserve for the team after winning the GP3 Series championship this season: « We have a very specific approach to promoting young drivers, working with a talented driver in the long term » explains Franck Williams. « Valtteri has proven to be perfectly capable and strongly determined. As a reserve driver, we plan for him to participate in Friday morning tests during 15 Grand Prix next season, probably with a more experienced driver taking over for the rest of the weekend. We will reveal the identity of this driver in due time. »
Naturally, the 22-year-old Finn savors the opportunity offered to him by the men of Grove: « I would like to thank Frank Williams and the entire team for the investment that everyone at Williams has made to help me over the past two years. Having the opportunity to continue this unique experience as a reserve driver will allow me to gain essential experience as a team member in 2012. In this position, I will do my best to help the team prepare for good race weekends, and I look forward to playing my role off the track, at the factory, and with our partners. »
Rubens Barrichello, who claimed this week, according to *Globo*, that Williams was his best chance, is nonetheless the notable absence from the Grove team’s announcement, indicating that he is no longer at the top of the list for the second seat, if he’s still on the list at all. Indeed, after failed negotiations with Kimi Räikkönen, Williams might turn to Adrian Sutil, who is expected to leave Force India.
