Pastor Maldonado keen for F1 return

Pastor Maldonado has revealed he is still working on a Formula One return.

The Venezuelan was ditched by Renault at the 11th hour earlier this season after he lost his backing from state oil supplier PDVSA.

But after being away from the sport for a full season now, Maldonado is keen to return.

"I'm talking to some teams and I'm quite optimistic," said at an event at Colombia's Autodromo de Tocancipa.

"Unfortunately, some situations pushed me out of Formula One and, as you know, getting back in through the front door is never easy," added the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix winner.

"At first it was hard to accept not being in formula one, but since I saw the performance of Renault I would say I was fine. Now I am discussing again with some teams and hope to be on the grid in Australia.

"Obviously I do not exclude other categories, but my intention is to be in F1," he insisted.