Paris, Nov 30 (IANS): Formula One's Lotus confirmed Friday that the team officially signed Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado for the 2014 season.

The 28-year-old, supported by Venezuelan oil and gas giant PDVSA, said he began to talk with Lotus since the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, reported Xinhua.

He admitted that he wants some change to improve his F1 career. "Lotus offered the very best opportunity for me to be competitive next season. It is a very good time for a fresh start," he said.

The Venezuelan would bring 35 million Euros' annual sponsorship from PDVSA to Lotus which is financially struggling and failed to pay Finn Kimi Raikkonen part of his salary this season.

Team Principal Eric Boullier believed Lotus would cause surprises next year with talents and efforts of Romain Grosjean and Pastor.

Maldonado joined Williams in 2011 and has spent three seasons with it. He won the Spanish Grand Prix in 2012, becoming the first Venezuelan champion of the event.