Pastor Maldonado will drive for Lotus next season, the Enstone-based outfit announced on Friday afternoon. The Venezuelan, who has spent the past three campaigns at Williams, is to partner the ongoing Romain Grosjean.
Maldonado's Formula 1 future has been the subject of speculation for many months, with the former GP2 Champion growing unhappy over the performance level of the Williams team, which has taken another dip after he secured its first victory since 2004 at last year's Spanish Grand Prix.
Following the outfit's confirmation of Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas as its 2014 line-up, rumours as to Maldonado's future employers intensified once more, with the 28-year-old believed to have been given firm offers from both Lotus and midfield runners Sauber.
Having assessed his options thoroughly, he ultimately chose Lotus, which finished fourth in this year's standings with one victory and 13 further podium finishes.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus for 2014," Maldonado said of his move.
"It's no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season.
"The regulations and cars will change significantly so it is a very good time for a fresh start. I can't wait to be racing in black and gold."
The news paves the way for Nico Hülkenberg to make a return to former outfit Force India, with the German previously a candidate for the Lotus vacancy.
Maldonado's Formula 1 future has been the subject of speculation for many months, with the former GP2 Champion growing unhappy over the performance level of the Williams team, which has taken another dip after he secured its first victory since 2004 at last year's Spanish Grand Prix.
Following the outfit's confirmation of Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas as its 2014 line-up, rumours as to Maldonado's future employers intensified once more, with the 28-year-old believed to have been given firm offers from both Lotus and midfield runners Sauber.
Having assessed his options thoroughly, he ultimately chose Lotus, which finished fourth in this year's standings with one victory and 13 further podium finishes.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus for 2014," Maldonado said of his move.
"It's no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season.
"The regulations and cars will change significantly so it is a very good time for a fresh start. I can't wait to be racing in black and gold."
The news paves the way for Nico Hülkenberg to make a return to former outfit Force India, with the German previously a candidate for the Lotus vacancy.
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