Maldonado to test with Williams in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The Williams Formula One team fuelled speculation that Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado could drive for them next season by announcing they would give him a test in Abu Dhabi next month.

Williams added that Finland`s Valtteri Bottas would remain as their official test driver in 2011. Maldonado, winner of the title in the GP2 feeder series this season, has been linked to a full race drive with Williams in media reports. Williams said in a statement that the 25-year-old, who is backed by Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, would join British Formula Two champion Dean Stoneman at a post-season test aimed at young drivers on Nov 16/17.The team have yet to confirm their 2011 driver lineup, with co-owner Patrick Head saying in South Korea at the weekend that commercial factors would be considered before a decision was made. Williams are losing major sponsors RBS at the end of the season. The former champions` current drivers are experienced Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, 38, and German rookie Nico Hulkenberg. Bureau Report