The Lotus F1 team has confirmed Pastor Maldonado will keep his drive for next year.
The future of the team itself is not yet confirmed, with Renault expected to finalise a plan to turn it into a works outfit before the end of the month. Chairman and team principal Gerard Lopez said Maldonado will remain at the team in 2016.
"It's a positive for the future of Lotus F1 Team that we are able to confirm publically that Pastor remains with us for next season," Lopez said. "Everyone at Enstone will testify that Pastor is a terrific person to work with and we all know the performances he is capable of on track. Pastor joined us with a multi-year deal so this confirmation is a reiteration of our belief in him. We hope to be able to make further positive announcements regarding the team in the near future."
Maldonado, who brings significant funding via Venezuelan oil company PDVSA, said he was happy to put an end to speculation about his future.
"It's great that the team can confirm my position as race driver for 2016. Obviously, there has been a lot of speculation about the future and whilst I have remained focused on my job on track it is also positive to know that my future is confirmed. This season has presented us with some challenges but the quality of the squad at Enstone is clear to see. I really feel part of the family at Enstone and I'm looking forward to building on the work done this year to deliver better results in 2016."
The news was announced on a weekend when his current team-mate Romain Grosjean also said his future was confirmed, although the Frenchman did not confirm where he would be driving.