LONDON, (Reuters) – The Williams Formula One team fuelled speculation that Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado could drive for them next season by announcing yesterday they would give him a test in Abu Dhabi next month.
Williams added that Finland’s Valtteri Bottas would remain as their official test driver in 2011.
Maldonado, winner of the title in the GP2 feeder series this season, has been linked to a full race drive with Williams in media reports.
Williams said in a statement that the 25-year-old, who is backed by Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, would join British Formula Two champion Dean Stoneman at a post-season test aimed at young drivers on November 16-17.
The team have yet to confirm their 2011 driver lineup, with co-owner Patrick Head saying in South Korea at the weekend that commercial factors would be considered before a decision was made.
Williams are losing major sponsors RBS at the end of the season.
The former champions’ current drivers are experienced Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, 38, and German rookie Nico Hulkenberg.