Pastor Maldonado

Pastor Maldonado has hailed his move to Lotus as a “fantastic opportunity” to prove himself at the wheel of a front-running Formula One car.

The Venezuelan was last week confirmed as the replacement for the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen and can now look ahead to a fresh start following the acrimony that surrounded his final few weeks at Williams.

Maldonado enjoyed a surprise victory with Williams at the 2012 Spanish GP but 2013 was a rank disappointment for both team and driver, with the FW35 earning just five points all season –Maldonado contributing just one of those with his 10th place at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The 28-year-old, who is being replaced by Felipe Massa at Williams, claimed earlier this month that he was “happy” to be leaving - and made the bold assertion that he had done more for the team than the team had done for him over the past three years.

It was a comment that ruffled more than a few feathers at Grove, but Maldonado at least now has a chance to back up his big words by joining a team that finished fourth in this year’s constructors’ championship.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for me to join Lotus F1 Team for 2014,” said Maldonado, who will be paired with Romain Grosjean after the Frenchman was retained for a third season.

“It’s no secret that I have wanted a change of scene to help push on with my Formula 1 career and Lotus F1 Team 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.”