Pastor Maldonado Venezuelan racing driver Date of Birth: 09.03.1985 Country: Venezuela

1. Early Career
2. Success in Formula Renault
3. Formula 1 Test and Setback
4. Breakthrough in World Series by Renault
5. GP2 Stint

Early Career

In 2003, Pastor Maldonado began his formula racing journey in Italy. He competed in the Italian Formula Renault Championship for Cram Competition, finishing seventh overall with three podiums and one pole position.

Success in Formula Renault

The following year, Maldonado embarked on a dual program in the Italian and European Formula Renault series with Cram Competition again. He triumphed in the Italian series, claiming eight wins and six pole positions in 17 starts. In the European championship, he finished eighth with two victories. He also participated in the Eurocup Formula Renault V6 at Spa-Francorchamps, finishing fifth.

Formula 1 Test and Setback

In November 2004, Maldonado tested for the Minardi Formula 1 team at Misano. Team owner Giancarlo Minardi expressed positive feedback. However, in 2005, Maldonado's career took a turn. After failing to secure a full-season drive, he made four starts in the Italian Formula 3000, with a best result of ninth. Additionally, he competed in nine World Series by Renault races, finishing seventh once. His participation was marred by a four-race suspension for disregarding warning flags and causing a serious accident in Monaco.

Breakthrough in World Series by Renault

In 2006, Maldonado competed in a full season of World Series by Renault with Draco Racing. He finished third overall with three wins, six podiums, and five pole positions. However, his season was overshadowed by a disqualification at Misano due to technical irregularities, costing him the championship title. Draco Racing appealed the decision but to no avail.

GP2 Stint

Maldonado's performances caught the attention of GP2 teams. He signed with Trident Racing for the 2007 season after successful tests. He claimed his first victory in only his fourth race at Monaco. However, a collarbone fracture during practice saw him miss the final four rounds, resulting in a finish outside the top ten.

For his second GP2 campaign in 2008, Maldonado switched to Piquet Sports. He secured two pole positions and two podiums by mid-season. Despite a tumultuous race at Silverstone, where he crashed at the start, received penalties, and collided with other drivers, he demonstrated his talent by finishing fifth in the Hungarian feature race after a strategic pit stop and setting the fastest lap on worn tires. Four podiums and a sprint race win at Spa-Francorchamps in the final six events propelled him to fifth in the standings.

In 2009, he signed with ART Grand Prix and replaced Nelson Piquet Jr. in the GP2 Asia Series from the second round onwards. He also participated in the Euroseries 3000, winning the opening race at Algarve Autodrome in preparation for the GP2 season.