Pastor Maldonado could make a dramatic switch between Oxfordshire’s top two Formula 1 teams.
The 28-year-old Venezuelan is reported to be definitely on his way out from the Grove-based Williams outfit at the end of the season.
And now it’s emerged he is vying with Nico Hulkenberg to replace Kimi Raikkonen at the Enstone-based Lotus outfit, with the Finn moving to Ferrari in 2014.
Both drivers are understood to have finalised deals with Lotus, who must choose between them.
Sauber driver Hulkenberg is believed to be Lotus’s No 1 choice, but it could depend on concluding an investment deal that has been dragging for months.
Maldonado’s hopes depend on him being able to take backing from a company contracted to Williams.
He is also reported to be in the running for a move to either Sauber or Force India.
Ferrari’s Felipe Massa is understood to be a leading contender to replace Maldonado at Williams, while Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas is expected to stay with the Grove team for a second season.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here