The Williams F1 team have today confirmed which driver they will run during the young driver test days in Abu Dhabi on the 16th and 17th November – the Tuesday and Wednesday after the final round of the 2010 season.
They will be Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado – the recently crowned 2010 GP2 champion – who is rumoured to be replacing Nico Hulkenberg in the team next season, and Britain’s Dean Stoneman – this year’s FIA Formula 2 champion.
Williams have also confirmed that Valtteri Bottas will remain as their test and reserve driver in 2011.
Frank Williams, the eponymous team principal, was pleased to secure the services of two champions for the Abu Dhabi test, and also had some complementary words for Bottas:
“We are delighted to have the two reigning champions of the two strongest feeder series for Formula One in the FW32 for these two test days,” said Williams. “Valtteri fought hard for his third place in this year’s Formula 3 Euroseries, taking two wins and six podiums in a very competitive year. He also set a record with his second consecutive victory in the Formula 3 Masters. He has worked hard both on and off the track and learnt a great deal. We continue to see talent, discipline and dedication and are happy to help foster that further in 2011.”
