Williams to field Maldonado and Stoneman at Abu Dhabi test

Williams will run Pastor Maldonado and Dean Stoneman during the young driver test, which will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit following November’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The two-day test is scheduled to get underway on November 17.

Venezuelan Maldonado recently took championship honours in the 2010 GP2 Series, while Briton Stoneman took the title in this year’s FIA Formula Two Championship. Williams also confirmed Valtteri Bottas will remain as the team’s test driver in 2011.

“We are delighted to have the two reigning champions of the two strongest feeder series for Formula One in the FW32 for these two test days,” said Williams team principal Frank Williams. “Valtteri fought hard for his third place in this year's Formula Three Euroseries, taking two wins and six podiums in a very competitive year.

“He also set a record with his second consecutive victory in the Formula Three Masters. He has worked hard both on and off the track and learnt a great deal. We continue to see talent, discipline and dedication and are happy to help foster that further in 2011."

The young driver test will be the first of two opportunities for the teams to prepare for the 2011 season before the end of the year. The other will be a Pirelli tyre test, which is also scheduled to take place at Yas Marina in the days following the Abu Dhabi season finale.

source http://www.formula1.com