Maldonado to IndyCar

Pastor Maldonado – the perfect fit for IndyCar

Pastor Maldonado has confirmed he will not be competing in Formula 1 this year, having lost his Renault seat to Kevin Magnussen.

Via a statement, Maldonado has declared his immediate future is not in F1.

"As everyone knows, in recent days, there have been a number of rumors about my immediate future in Formula 1," he said.

"Today I most humbly inform you I will not be present on the starting grid for the 2016 F1 season."

"Thanks for all your messages of support, passion and concern for my future.

"I feel very honored, with the support of all of you and proud of my professional performance.

Viso in 2011 in his PDVSA sponsored IndyCar

"I thank God, my family, my sponsors, my friends, my fans and all who have helped me realize this great dream of being able to represent Venezuela in the pinnacle of motorsport.

"See you soon."

Will his sponsor, Venezuela State Owned Oil and Gas Company PDVSA still sponsor Maldonado as a smaller dollar amount, enough for him to land an IndyCar ride?

PDVSA has sponsored a driver in IndyCar in the past (EJ Viso). And we know IndyCar team owners, desperate to get any ride-buyer sponsor money they can get their hands on, will gladly hire a driver for money over talent, so Maldonado and PDVSA are the perfect fit for IndyCar.