Valtteri Bottas will race alongside Pastor Maldonado at the Williams team during the 2013 Formula 1 season, the British squad confirmed on Wednesday.

The Finn was widely expected to land the racing drive after acting as Williams’s third driver during the 2012 season, replacing Bruno Senna in opening practice for 15 of the 20 grands prix.

The 23-year-old from Nastola won the GP3 championship in 2011 and spent this year testing for Williams. He told AUTOSPORT earlier this week that he “needed” to go back to racing next year.

Bottas, who was signed by Williams in 2010, admitted on Wednesday that racing in Formula 1 will be a dream come true for him.

“It has always been my life-long dream to compete in the Formula 1 world championship,” he said.

“To do so with one of the most legendary teams in the sport is incredibly special. I’ve really enjoyed my three years with Williams so far and feel very at home here so my goal was always to stay for 2013 and progress to a race seat.”

Team boss Frank Williams said he was extremely excited about his line-up for the 2013 season.

“In Pastor and Valtteri we have two of the most exciting talents in motor racing and I’m especially excited about what 2013 can bring for Williams,” he said.

“Pastor has always demonstrated remarkable pace and this year has seen him mature as a racing driver.

“Valtteri is quite simply one of the most talented young racing drivers I have come across and we expects great things from him in the future.”

Williams also thanked Senna for his work at the team during the 2012 season. The Brazilian’s future in F1 remains uncertain, with very few racing seats available.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our departing driver Bruno Senna for his hard work over the past year and wish him the best of luck going forward,” Williams said.