The Sauber team has today confirmed it has signed up 20-year-old Mexican, Sergio Perez, for the 2011 season. He will line-up alongside Kamui Kobayashi.
The deal comes as the team also announced a partnership with Telmex, the telecommunications company owned by Carlos Slim – the worlds wealthiest person.
Perez took second in this years GP2 championship and says his dreams have come true now that he has managed to secure a place on the 2011 F1 grid.
“Formula 1 is the dream of every young racing driver and now this dream is about to come true for me,” said Perez.
“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.”
Peter Sauber, team principal added: “Sergio has been on a continuous upward curve over the past few years. 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 1.
“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.”
Slim’s Telmex company will feature predominantly on the Sauber cars next year, as the billionaire looks to strenghten his ties with F1.
“Sauber has been not only a very successful racing team but also a strong talent developer of some of the most recognised names in racing since their early stages as well as one of the most respected people in the sport,” said Carlos Slim Domit, the eldest son of Slim.
“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.”
Peter Sauber also commented on the partnership: “Telmex has been involved in motor sport for a number of years already and supports drivers in various race series. 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.”
