Relief for Maldonado as supporter Chavez re-elected
9 October, 2012
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez with Pastor Maldonado
Oct.9 (GMM) Formula One insiders had a keen eye on the outcome of Venezuela’s presidential election on Sunday.
The sport’s main focus was, of course, in Japan, where Pastor Maldonado was racing his PDVSA-branded Williams around Suzuka.
But in his native Venezuela, his countrymen were busy re-electing the socialist incumbent Hugo Chavez – probably a significant moment for the continuation of Maldonado’s career.
Chavez, who achieved 54 per cent of the vote, is a known supporter of Maldonado’s F1 career, backing the 27-year-old in millions through the PDVSA brand.
State owned oil company PDVSA’s backing of Maldonado has been highly controversial, and on the eve of the Japanese Grand Prix, the driver sounded unsure if the money would keep flowing in 2013 – probably because Chavez’s now-defeated opponent Henrique Capriles Radonski was vowing sweeping reforms.
But with Chavez now elected, analysts expect the status quo for PDVSA, with a Reuters report saying that the 58-year-old uses the company to pay “for everything from sports teams to health clinics”.
“Congratulations to all Venezuelans for their participation in the elections,” Maldonado wrote on Twitter. “Long live democracy!”
Subbed by AJN.
Related posts:
- Bitterly divided Venezuela united in celebrating Madonado’s Spanish GP victory
- Maldonado government money confirmed
- Maldonado lost Sauber seat battle to Perez
- GP2 champion Maldonado close to F1 switch
- Venezuela want driver in F1 and GP
@Kimi4WDC
Me, Too.
All The Big Guns Should Have An Aggressive Teammate To Keep Both Of Them On Their Toes.
Go, HAMILTON !
I would love to see him in a Ferrari along Alonso!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The latest is:
Pastor Maldonado’s Williams future has been plunged into unexpected doubt after the Venezuelan announced he is looking around for a more competitive drive in 2013
Who would give him a top car???????