2013-04-16 10:05:26 +02:00

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# Williams replace Nico Hulkenberg with Venezuelan GP2 champion Pastor
Maldonado for 2011 season
## Williams have confirmed that GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado will partner
Rubens Barrichello during the 2011 Formula One season.
![Williams replace Nico Hulkenberg with Venezuelan GP2 champion Pastor
Maldonado for 2011 season][1]
Pastor Maldonado is the 2010 GP2 champion a title previously won by Lewis
Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Timo Glock
By Telegraph staff and agencies 3:35PM GMT 01 Dec 2010
[Comments][2]
The 25-year-old Venezuelan had been heavily linked with the Grove outfit after
he got plenty of miles under his belt for the team at the Abu Dhabi young
driver tests following the season-ending Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit.
Maldonado will fill the seat left vacant by the departure of Nico Hulkenberg
from the team, with the German's strong late-season form not proving enough to
secure a new deal.
Maldonado showcased the consistency to go with his undoubted pace during 2010,
becoming the only driver in the short history of GP2 to win six feature races
in a row.
Team principal Frank Williams said: "Pastor first caught my eye in 2007 when
he drove a masterful race at Monaco.
"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.
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"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's confirmation means there are now nine seats remaining across five
teams for next season.
Hulkenberg is expected to end up at Force India, who have yet to confirm
either driver for next year, with one of Adrian Sutil or Vitantonio Liuzzi to
make way.
Two of the new teams for 2010, Virgin Racing and Hispania, have also yet to
name either driver while Toro Rosso are in a similar position.
The other available seat is at Renault, who have yet to reveal Robert Kubica's
team-mate.
Maldonado will become the first Venezuelan to race in Formula One since Johnny
Cecotto in 1984, and he is delighted to be linking up with a team that has a
total of 16 world championship titles to its name.
He said: "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. 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.
"Next year will be the first time in nearly 30 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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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/williams/8174067
/Williams-replace-Nico-Hulkenberg-with-Venezuelan-GP2-champion-Pastor-
Maldonado-for-2011-season.html
Telegraph
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