05/11/2014
NEWS STORY
Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Sauber has named Felipe Nasr as its second driver in 2015 alongside Marcus Ericsson. At the same time the Swiss outfit has named Banco do Brasil as its partner.
The 22-year-old Brazilian, who is test and reserve driver for Williams this year, is also participating in the 2014 GP2 series, in which he is currently lying second with four wins. In 2011 he won the British Formula 3 championship and finished second in the prestigious Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix. In 2009 he became Formula BMW Europe champion in his rookie year.
Banco do Brasil has been a partner of Felipe Nasr and has supported him for several years. Its logos will be visible on the side pods and at the back of the rear wing of the C34.
"We have been following Felipe's career path for some time now, and he fully deserves his position in Formula One having had a very successful career in junior categories," said Monisha Kaltenborn. "We are happy that he will be driving for our team next year. This means that Brazil will have one more young and talented driver in the sport. Banco do Brasil has been an important partner for Felipe so far, and we are delighted that such a renowned company is continuing to support him during this important step. We look forward to this partnership."
"It is a very important step in my career to sign with Sauber for 2015," assed Nasr. "This is an unforgettable moment that I owe to all of those who have supported me - my family, my friends, my sponsors, my teams and my country. Today the dream has come true. Sauber was responsible for the arrival in F1 of great names such as Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel. I am proud now to also be part of this racing family. I had a wonderful year at Williams Martini, where I learned a lot and prepared myself to be a race driver in Formula One."
"The main objective of this partnership is to make possible the entry of a new Brazilian driver into Formula One," said Hayton Rocha, Marketing and Communications Director of Banco do Brasil. "A sport that has a faithful audience in our country. Banco do Brasil believes in the potential of Felipe Nasr, considered by the specialists to be the most promising Brazilian in motor racing since Ayrton Senna. Apart from that, it is an opportunity to create a connection between our brands and symbolises our Brazilianness, modernity and technology."
The move means that neither 2014 driver, Adrian Sutil or Esteban Gutierrez has been retained.