Williams to test Maldonado in Abu Dhabi

Williams has announced that it will run GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado in the post-season test at Abu Dhabi, as the Venezuelan seemed to move closer to a racing seat with the team

Maldonado will be joined by F2 champion Dean Stoneman during the young driver test days on 16 and 17 November.

Maldonado's test will increase speculation about Williams's driver line-up for 2011, the Venezuelan having been linked with the racing seat currently held by Nico Hulkenberg in recent days.

The Venezuelan first drove a Formula 1 car when he tested a Minardi back in 2004.

Williams also confirmed that Valtteri Bottas will remain as the team's test driver in 2011.

"We are delighted to have the two reigning champions of the two strongest feeder series for Formula 1 in the FW32 for these two test days," team boss Frank Williams said.

"Valtteri fought hard for his third place in this year's Formula 3 Euro Series, 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."