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Bottas ready for race seat

ESPN Staff
July 19, 2012 « 'Best is definitely still to come' - Vergne | McLaren hoping for good weather to analyse upgrades »
Valtteri Bottas is highly rated within the Williams team © Sutton Images
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Williams test driver Valtteri Bottas says that he would "feel happy" to take up a race seat immediately but is eyeing a drive in 2013.

Bottas has impressed during a number for Friday practice outings for Williams, as well as a two-day stint during the Young Driver Test last week. Having gained good mileage in the current FW34 despite the in-season testing restrictions, Bottas admitted that he would feel most prepared to race next season but would be unable to turn down an immediate opportunity.

"I would like a race seat in F1, I think that is my next goal," Bottas told Autosport. "I think next season I would be ready, or even now if someone asked me to race, for sure I would do it. I would feel happy to step in to the car. But every time I am in the car, I am learning all the time and getting better all the time. But for sure at some point you have to have your first race."

Having been GP3 champion last season, Bottas doesn't believe a lack of race experience in another category this year will stunt his progress.

"I miss racing because I have done it all my life, but I think one year out is about right. Our main goal is the race seat, but if we don't get that then I have to keep on driving. I have time; as I am 22 years old and the ideal is to stay here."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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