Williams' Pastor Maldonado, who won last year's race for his maiden F1 victory, was back in 18th behind his rookie teammate Valtteri Bottas.

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Williams also announced another member of their team for the 2012 season, with young Finn Valtteri Bottas promoted to role of reserve driver.

CNN: Williams keep Maldonado for 2012

Twelve months on Maldonado and rookie teammate Valtteri Bottas both failed to make it out of the first round of qualifying last time out in Barcelona.

CNN: Tech guru Lowe back in the fast lane

There are five drivers -- Max Chilton and Jules Bianchi of Marussia, Sauber's Esteban Gutierrez, Valtteri Bottas of Williams and Van der Garde of Caterham -- who joined F1 in 2013 with limited experience of driving an F1 car.

CNN: Kovalainen returns to help Caterham F1