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Maldonado promises to do better if given 2013 contract

Pastor Maldonado: "I really want to stay" © Sutton Images

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Pastor Maldonado is "100% sure" he will be able to up his game in 2013 if he is granted another year at Williams.

At this year's Spanish Grand Prix, Maldonado took Williams' first victory in eight years, but has struggled for points since as a result of a series of accidents, penalties and reliability issues. The team has not yet decided its driver line-up for 2013, but he is confident he can improve on his first two seasons if he stays on for another year.

"I passed two wonderful years with the team, I won my first race with the team in my second year and I really appreciate that the team give me a great responsibility as the first driver, driving the first car of the team," he said.

"I think I did pretty well. I could do better and I hope and I am 100% sure that next year will be much better than this year; not only from the driving points of view but also from the team point of view of being much more compact and working in the right direction. We know each other more now so it is going to be easier for both sides next year."

Maldonado is financially backed by Venezuelan oil company PDVSA, which has been a major sponsor of Williams over the past two years, but he says he does not know whether that will guarantee him a seat going forward.

"To be honest, I don't know what the relationship is between PDVSA and the team," he said. "They are directly negotiating and I have a contract until the end of this year and I need to look forward to my future as well, but otherwise I am not 100% sure. I don't have the confirmation at the moment, but sure I really want to stay."

Asked if he would seek a one-year deal to allow him to move in 2014 should a better seat come up, Maldonado said his sights are set on winning the title with Williams.

"For sure I will take the best [deal] for me and my future," he said. "I have a great feeling with this team, it's looking quite good for the future and before I leave the team, and for sure one day I will, I want to win the championship with them."

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