Maldonado eyes title bid after stunning win

Pastor Maldonado emerged from the emotional chaos of his maiden victory and the Williams team's blazing return to glory in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix by declaring his next ambition: to mount a serious challenge for the world title.

The 27-year-old history-making Venezuelan became the fifth different winner in five races this year - the most open start to a season since 1983 - to declare his intentions and underlined that performance with a dignified and heroic response afterwards.

Not only did he win a tumultuous race at the Circuit de Valencia, he also turned into a hero by coming to the team's aid when a fire ignited in the Williams garage after the race and he went in to rescue his cousin.

On the weekend of team founder Frank Williams' 70th birthday, there could not have been a more spectacular way of delivering a present to remember, even if it was tinged with some sadness and regrets as a total of 31 people were treated for various injuries after the fire.

Of that total, seven were transferred from the circuit medical centre to local hospitals for more intensive treatment of burns and smoke inhalation.

The Williams team said the fire, which erupted about 90 minutes after they had claimed their first victory since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix, had started in the fuel area as they were packing up.

The team confirmed four members were injured, three of whom were in hospital. One was treated at the circuit medical centre and released.

In a statement, the team said: "The Williams F1 Team would like to thank all of the teams and the FIA for their support in today's incident."

The sport's ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) confirmed the figure of 31 for those who were injured and treated.