04/10/2010
NEWS STORY
Sauber has today signed Mexican hot-shot Sergio Perez (right) for 2011 in addition to inking a partnership with Telmex, the Mexican telecommunications company
20-year old Perez, who is likely to finish runner-up in this year's GP2 series, will line up alongside Kamui Kobayashi for Sauber in the 2011 world championship.
Sergio Perez has been a member of Escuderia Telmex, which supports racing drivers in various categories, for a number of years. In this year's GP2 championship he has won four races thus far - including the prestigious championship round in Monaco.
He began his career in Karting, where he won a total of five championships. He followed that up with two years in Formula BMW before moving on to the National Class of the British F3 International Series, where he won a still record 14 races. In 2008 he finished fourth in the International Class of the British F3 International Series. In GP2 Asia he became the series' youngest race winner at the age of 18.
"Formula One is the dream of every young racing driver," said Perez. "And now this dream is about to come true for me. Although I'm very much aware that this is also a big challenge and responsibility, I'm happy to accept that and am proud to be representing my country in the highest category of motor racing. I would like to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he's shown in me and I'll do everything I can to make the most of this wonderful opportunity."
"Sergio has been on a continuous upward curve over the past few years," added Peter Sauber, "He demonstrated his fighting spirit in races over the course of last season and proved that he's ready to take the step up into Formula One. I look forward to working with him and am in no doubt that, in Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi, we will have a strong driver pairing."
Sauber also confirmed the start of the team's partnership with Telmex. The Mexican telecommunications company's logos will have a significant presence on the Sauber Motorsport racing cars as from the coming season.
Telmex is a corporation made up of Telefonos de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. and subsidiaries providing telecommunications services in Mexico. The company's service coverage comprises the operations of the nation's most complete local and long distance networks. Additionally, Telmex also offers services including connectivity, internet access, co-location, web hosting and interconnection services to other telecommunications operators.
"Sauber has been not only a very successful racing team but also a strong talent developer of some of the most recognized names in racing since their early stages as well as one of the most respected people in the sport," said Telmex Chairman, Carlos Slim Domit. "Their decision of having Sergio with them is very significant on his career to become a top driver representing Mexico. For Telmex and our racing project Escuderia Telmex it's a great step forward, and we feel very proud to be able to consolidate these years of work for having a Mexican driver in F1 with Sauber Motorsport."
"Telmex has been involved in motor sport for a number of years already and supports drivers in various race series," added Sauber. "Now they are making the key step up into the top category of motor racing, and we are happy and proud that they are taking this step with us. Telmex is an outstanding company and represents a strong partner for our team. We are looking forward to a fruitful partnership."
The Mexican connection at Sauber first began to take real shape last month when the team signed newly-crowned GP3 champion Esteban Gutierrez as its test and reserve driver for 2011.