Dec.30 (GMM) Pastor Maldonado is confident he will have a better second season in formula one.

With his Venezuelan backing, the 26-year-old made his grand prix debut as the reigning GP2 champion this year, but scored only one of Williams' 5 points.

He is staying with the famous British team in 2012.

"I trust the team because it is impossible to be worse than this year," Maldonado told Brazil's Totalrace.

"I believe that was the worst position for a rookie (to be in), when nothing works, especially in the first year (as) you have to learn many things.

"Nevertheless, I defended myself well, even against Rubens (Barrichello). It certainly was a year of learning."

Williams, indeed, had a disastrous season, finishing 36 points behind the next-worst team Toro Rosso and ahead only of the non-points scoring three newest teams.

"I'm sure we will improve," said Maldonado, "we have worked really hard to grow as a team."

A fundamental change for 2012 is the new technical boss Mike Coughlan, the former McLaren chief designer who was sacked a few years ago amid the 'liegate' scandal.

He replaces the McLaren-bound Sam Michael, Williams' long-time technical director.

"I hope we have a better car, one that is more competitive so that we can always fight for points and higher positions," said Maldonado.

Latest Formula 1 News Headlines

09 Jun: Four F1 drivers among Forbes' 100 highest-paid athletes Comments 09 Jun: Alonso admits Ferrari has improved since 2014 Comments 09 Jun: Red Bull to stay ahead of Ferrari - Verstappen Comments 09 Jun: 2017 'very important' for Alonso, McLaren and F1 Comments 09 Jun: Grosjean admits to eyeing Raikkonen's seat Comments 09 Jun: 'Sober' F1 no longer 'excessive' - Villeneuve Comments 09 Jun: Montreal 'far from in decline' - promoter Comments 09 Jun: Stroll says Bottas and Massa's contracts expiring Comments 09 Jun: Arrivabene hints Raikkonen to stay Comments 08 Jun: Alonso to decide F1 future next year Comments 08 Jun: Ferrari set for new engine and shorter nose - reports Comments 08 Jun: F1 system 'distorting competition' - Kaltenborn Comments 08 Jun: Ricciardo the best driver in F1 today - Marko Comments 08 Jun: Zetsche says Wehrlein is Mercedes 'future' Comments 08 Jun: F1 'excited' by Baku despite human rights pressure Comments 07 Jun: No Baku night race plans yet - promoter Comments 07 Jun: Dennis statements are 'extra motivation' - Boullier Comments 07 Jun: Mick Schumacher says F3 'the next step' Comments 07 Jun: FIA's Whiting tips Kvyat to bounce back Comments 07 Jun: Moss says Magnussen 'refreshingly different' Comments The latest Formula 1 News

F1 News  F1 Schedule  F1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  F1 Tickets  Live F1 Coverage

Full Version: Formula 1 News  Formula 1 Schedule  Formula 1 Line-up  Constructors' Championship  Drivers' Championship  Live F1 Coverage  10 'n' Pole  F1 Regulations  The Forums  Motorsport Shop  F1 Merchandise  F1 Tickets  F1 Diecast  F1 Videos  F1 Games