Maldonado: I hope to be on the F1 grid in Australia

Pastor Maldonado has revealed that he is targeting a return to Formula 1 despite losing the support of his beleaguered Venezuelan backers PDVSA, but nevertheless he hopes to be on the grid in Melbourne on 26 March.

Speaking to F1Latam.com during a race event at Autodromo Tocancipá, Maldonado said, “I’m talking to some teams and am quite optimistic.”

“Unfortunately, circumstances pushed me out of the world of Formula 1, and you know getting back in through the front door is never easy, but we are working hard and I hope to have some good news in the coming weeks.”

Maldonado who made 95 grand prix starts, winning the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix for Williams, admits that being dropped by Renault and forced to sit out 2016 was a shock.

“At first it was hard to accept not being in Formula 1, but after witnessing the performance by Renault I can say it helped me to feel better.”

“Now I am discussing with some teams in the midfield and hope to be on the F1 grid in Australia. Obviously I do not exclude racing in other categories, but my priority is to race in F1,” insisted Maldonado.

There are only three race seats available for next season, with Manor still to fill their two cockpits and Sauber who have one seat available. Both teams are seeking pay drivers for 2017.