Pastor Maldonado led a demonstration for the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez

The new entry in the Formula One caravan, Pastor Maldonado thanked his government and especially the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez by putting a demonstration in front of him this Friday. Maldonado believes that his government has played a very important
role in his racing career, and has especially helped him get a race seat with Williams for the upcoming season.

The driver is recently signed in the team to drive alongside the Formula One veteran, Rubens Barrichello for the 2011 season. He has got the team’s seat mainly because of the heavy sponsorship he brings along owing to the strong backing of the government.
All necessary financial support has been assured by the government to the driver, to ensure a smooth upcoming season for him.

The 25-year-old drove the team’s 2010 car around a Caracas military base in Brazil. Following the drive, Maldonado thanked his country President, saying, “We expect quite a difficult season, but with determination we’re going to achieve many successes of
that I am certain.”

Chavez, while addressing Maldonado and all the other Venezuelan athletes from other sports stated that he has high hopes for their future. He further insisted that the Government is determined to encourage all the sportsmen and will extend all the support
and assistance required.

To mark the event a large number of Williams’ team members also went to Venezuala. The chief executive officer, Adam Parr also graced the event along with several other officials.

As the demonstration came to an end, Parr talked to the reporters calling the day a big one for the team. He added that it was a complete pleasure for them to come in Venezuela, and be embraced by the crowd and the government so warmly. He said that it was
great to show the enthusiastic people of Venezuela what a Formula One car is like. While talking about the driver, Parr added that it is a sheer delight for the team to have ‘an individual and as a representative of his country.’

Maldonado is a talented young driver, and stands as the winner of the 2010 GP2 championship. The team is looking forward to a strong upcoming season by the driver with Williams.

The GP2 champ has been hired in place of Nico Hulkenberg, who made his debut in the series, with the team, last year. Despite a smooth rookie season and winning a miraculous pole position, he had not been able to secure his seat with the team owing to lack
of sponsorship.