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Maldonado 'ready' for F1

Pastor Maldonado gets some advice from Patrick Head © Sutton Images

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New Williams driver Pastor Maldonado says he is well prepared for his first season in Formula One.

Despite having only had his first taste of driving the Williams for one day in the season ending Abu Dhabi young drivers' test, the Venezuelan says that his experience in GP2 and the aid of veteran team-mate Rubens Barrichello will help him in his debut season.

"GP2 is a very good championship; it really prepares drivers well for F1," said Maldonado. "I have worked very hard to get to this position and yes, I definitely feel ready.

"For sure Rubens is a pleasure to have as a team-mate as he is a very experienced driver. I can learn so much from him. It will be fun as he is South American too! I think it is going to be a very interesting team."

Maldonado will have to wait until early February for his next taste of Formula One action at the opening pre-season tests in Spain. Until then, he will be working on his fitness and acclimatising himself to the car in the team's race simulator.

"I will keep pushing in my training and working in the simulator. We don't have a long time, just one or two months before the first test, and I am going to be fit and ready.

"I just want to do my best, to be as close to the top as I can and to get the maximum out of the car. The team are working very hard and I need to push to be at the top as soon as possible. I am a rookie but that isn't going to be a problem. I need to keep focussed and to do my job."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.