Valtteri Bottas replaces Bruno Senna at Williams

It was on everyone's lips but it's now official. Williams F1 Team has just hired Valtteri Bottas for 2013. Third driver for the team in 2012, the young Finn will replace Bruno senna next season.  “Valtteri is quite simply one of the most talented young drivers I have ever met. We expect great things from him in the future”, declared Sir Frank Williams about his new driver when making his arrival official. Aged 23, Valtteri Bottas stood out by winning two years in a row, in 2009 and 2010 at the Masters of Formula 3, a race where Lewis Hamitlon (2005), Paul di Resta (2006) and even Nico Hulkenberg (2007). The following year, the Finn was crowned GP3 champion.

Williams F1 Team has also confirmed Pastor Maldonado. The Venezuelan, author of his first success this year in Spain, the first victory for a Williams since 2004, returns for a third consecutive year with this team. “Pastor has always demonstrated very good pace, and this year has seen him mature as a racing driver”, estimated Frank Williams. “With Pastor and Valterri, we field two of the most talented drivers in motorsport and I am particularly excited for 2013”, he concluded, having a little word for Bruno Senna. “I would like to thank Bruno for the work he has done this year, and I wish him the best for the future”. The Brazilian, who had anticipated his departure from the team, stated that he had already “a plan B” for the next year.