The Williams F1 Team has confirmed that Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas will race for the team in 2013.
The news sees Bottas replace Bruno Senna who has struggled at times to match the pace of Maldonado. He scored 31 points to the Venezuelan’s 45.
The Finnish driver has been the teams test driver since 2010 and has impressed during his many practice stints during 2012.
“It has always been my life-long dream to compete in the Formula One World Championship,” said Bottas. “To do so with one of the most legendary teams in the sport is incredibly special.
“I’ve really enjoyed my three years with Williams so far and feel very at home here so my goal was always to stay for 2013 and progress to a race seat. I’m looking forward to getting my Formula One career started and enjoying a lot of success with Williams.”
Maldonado, who will compete in his third season with the team, added: “I’m really enjoying my time with Williams and I was obviously very happy when I was told that I would be continuing with the team in 2013.
“2012 was a memorable year for me with the win in Barcelona and we made a big step forward in terms of performance. I have a lot of confidence in the team and hopefully next year will see us move even further up the grid and taste more success.”
Co-founder and team principal Sir Frank Williams says he’s looking forward to what the pair can do next season before thanking Senna.
“In Pastor and Valtteri we have two of the most exciting talents in motor racing and I am especially excited about what 2013 can bring for Williams. Pastor has always demonstrated remarkable pace and this year has seen him mature as a racing driver. Valtteri is quite simply one of the most talented young racing drivers I have come across and we expect great things from him in the future.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our departing driver Bruno Senna for his hard work over the past year and wish him the best of luck going forward.”
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