Williams finally announce Maldanado as 2nd driver

[John S]

This news was expected last week, wonder what held it all up?

Williams has confirmed that GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado will be its second driver in 2011, taking the seat occupied by Nico Hulkenberg this season.

Maldonado had been extensively linked with Williams in recent months, and tested for the team during the recent rookie sessions in Abu Dhabi, where he also spent two days with Hispania. He is believed to bring significant levels of personal sponsorship to the team.

Williams has already announced that Rubens Barrichello will be retained as its other race driver next season, with Valtteri Bottas remaining in the test and reserve role.

Autosport.com, Today.

[PG_Gabriel]

I really hope Nico finds a seat somewhere, probably force india

[cosworth151]

Maybe they waited until the check cleared. 

I hope Nico finds a ride somewhere, too. FIF1 looks like the best still open.

[Scott]

I wonder if Heidfeld is going back to Merc to test, or will there be a test seat available for a fine German driver?

[Williamsfan]

So disappointing, Hulkenberg is going to be something special, I'm sure of it.  I know Maldonado was judged to have done really well in the tests he did both with Williams and HRT but this announcement leaves me cold and fearing the worst for my team    Still, good luck Pastor, I'll be backing him next season and for as long as he drives a Williams!

[lkjohnson1950]

Williams was rumored to be trying to find a sponsor to allow them to say no to Maldonado's money and keep Nico. Frank tried to sign Nico to a personal services contract and possibly loan him to HRT but Nico wants to DRIVE for a decent team. Now Williams will reportedly carry Venezuelan oil as a major sponsor and Nico hopes to land elsewhere.

Lonny

[Williamsfan]

I think Williams are going to be expecting as much as $15m in sponsorship from Maldonado, I guess that is great for the team's budget just it is annoying seeing my bunch taking on pay drivers.  I know to a degree Nakajima was one but this just seems different.  Ah well, maybe he'll be decent, he cannot be worse than Kaz, that's for sure!  Just a shame we had to let go of Nico, but I knew of the stuff of loaning him out and I can understand he would not want that, especially since right now Williams aren't a front running team themselves so it's not like he'd be going to HRT to learn the ropes before leading a title charge.

[Jericoke]

Given the glut of German drivers/prospects in F1, I think that the best move drivers without a seat could make would be to go to a regional series, and build up a fan/sponsor base there.

IRL might not be as prestigious as IndyCar was, but doing well at the Indy 500 would be enticing to a team looking to attract American sponsorship. 

[lkjohnson1950]

The Maldonado is rumored to be for only $10m with $4m to be paid to Pastor. Williams still needs a couple of high level sponsors to really go forward.

Lonny

[Williamsfan]

Only that little? Compared to what was apparently on offer that is surprising.  Perhaps the team saw a lot more in him than I expected!  I always get curious to see who signs up as sponsors though.

[lkjohnson1950]

It was $10m more than Nico had.

Lonny