Pastor Maldonado checks out IndyCar but 2017 focus still Formula 1

The Venezuelan was a guest of KVSH Racing, though both parties played down any suggestion of talks over a drive.

"It's a big difference from what I've seen the past few years but it's very interesting," said Maldonado of the IndyCar scene.

"There is a very good level between the teams and it's competitive for the spectators.

"It's completely open for everyone with easy access to the cars and other teams. In Formula 1, it's not like this."

KVSH co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven warned against predicting his team - which had to slim down to one car for Sebastien Bourdais this year - was trying to sign former Williams and Lotus F1 driver Maldonado.

"I'll tell you the absolute truth that people really won't like," Kalkhoven said.

"Adam Parr was the principal at Williams and he's on my board at Cosworth.

"Adam calls me and says, 'Pastor is in Miami. Would you like to take him to a race?' That's it.

"You can make it a big deal and start all sorts of rumours but I gave you the truth, which is really boring."

Maldonado said the short Iowa oval looked "very demanding", and confirmed IndyCar was on his longer-term radar.

"One day, it would be very good for me to add this to my resume for the future," he said.

"Formula 1 is my love and for the last 15 years I have raced in Europe at the top level.

"But you never know so we are open to a lot of different scenarios.

"We are trying to get a Formula 1 ride but Formula 1 is having tough days at the moment from an economic point of view and then a big difference between the teams.

"I would look for a team that would bring me an opportunity to get good points consistently.

"If I don't find a good place in Formula 1 I will look around and here I am looking around evaluating the options."

Maldonado's former F1 rival Max Chilton has joined the IndyCar field with Ganassi this year, qualifying a season-best third at Iowa.

The Briton believes Maldonado would be good for IndyCar.

"This is just as competitive as Formula 1 and the driver quality is very strong," said Chilton.

"It is attracting more drivers and I plan on talking to Pastor some more.

"He would be good for IndyCar. It needs some more limelight worldwide and Pastor might be the man for the job."

Maldonado's interest was also endorsed by Indianapolis 500 winner and Manor F1 reserve Alexander Rossi.

"It's an incredible championship and the more drivers that are interested and come over it's better for all of us," he said.