Maldonado: “Being on the grid is huge”

A few weeks before the first race of the season in Melbourne on March 27, Pastor Maldonado says he is ready for his first season in Formula 1. Despite this label of “paying driver” which sticks to him, the Venezuelan will be keen to demonstrate that he has his place in the premier category.

How did your tests go in Barcelona this week?
We encountered an SREC problem which unfortunately cost us several hours and we only completed two short stints. It's better that the problems happen now rather than during a race weekend. This is the reason for testing. We had a new aero package here, and further improvements will be coming to Australia. I can't wait to get back in the car to try them out.

How do you judge your progress in F1? Do you think you have progressed well?
I feel better and better within the team and I enjoy adapting the car to my driving style. It's really good.

Where is your physical condition?
You can always improve your fitness if you take care to train. I run a lot and I have also improved my eating habits. So I'm a little lighter, which is good for the team. I hope this will help me this season.

What are the differences between the new Williams compared to the FW32, which has reached the end of development, which you drove in the Abu Dhabi tests?
Starting from scratch is a little different. Last year, I focused on my driving to learn lap by lap. Now we have to continue working together on the development of the car, there is still a lot of work. The feedback from the team and my engineers is good. I know it will be a big season for them.

Do you think there are a lot of expectations and pressure on your shoulders?
No, I don't have that kind of pressure. I give my best to understand everything, and I do the best I can for the team. Our goal is to get the most out of the FW33. We'll see what we can do in the first race, but I feel ready. I'm really happy for my country. They support me completely, it?s something very special. I'm here to do my job as best as I can. This is my only objective when I'm behind the wheel.

How do you feel as you approach your first grand prix?
It's just a very exciting moment for me. I've been driving for several years and I've waited many years to get into F1, so sitting on the grid in Melbourne is going to be huge. I will try to treat this race like any other. My goal is to finish. And if everything goes well, I don't see why we couldn't score a point.

What is your goal for the 2011 season?
Learn, be fast, give the maximum for the team and improve race after race.

Find an exclusive interview with Frank Williams as well as a report on the FW33 in your AUTOhebdo magazine, currently on newsstands.