Williams confirms Maldonado as a driver for 2012

The Williams team confirmed as pilot Pastor Maldonado for the World Formula 1 2012. The British team was one of the four that did not make public the names of their drivers for next season in a list announced by the FIA .

"Pastor has shown this season that is not only a fast driver, but is also able to maintain a consistent pace and strong," said Frank Williams, team founder, said in a statement sent by the pilot group's press . "His career in Monaco was great," he said.

Maldonado, whose main sponsor is Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) in 2012 and will start his second season in charge of a Williams car, brings a wealth of equipment financing.

However, the Venezuelan opposition has tried to block sponsored by PDVSA, which was not approved by the National Assembly and is seen as too expensive, considering the poor results was the team that ended the season.

"We had a very tough season (the 2011), but at the same time it helped me to learn and develop. I am convinced that the steps we're taking to improve our competitiveness, they will bear fruit in 2012 and beyond" said the pilot in the statement.

While the Finn Valtteri Bottas was announced as a reserve, but confirmed the second pilot of the team, although that has more ballots is Adrian Sutil, Force India currently. "Valtteri part in Friday practice in 15 Grands Prix next year, and a more experienced pilot will take over the rest of the race weekend," said the team, without elaborating.