Pedro de la Rosa has secured a race seat for the 2012 and 2013 season with HRT, the Spanish outfit confirmed on Monday.
The 40-year-old will join the team for the upcoming 2012 season, marking his return to competitive racing having spent much of his career as McLaren’s reserve driver.
The Spaniard most recently competed in the 2011 Canadian GP following Sergio Perez’s unwellness after his accident in Monaco. He also drove for the Sauber team during 14 races in 2010, before being replaced by Nick Heidfeld.
De la Rosa, who would be the second eldest driver on the grid next year – two years younger than Michael Schumacher – says the opportunity to compete with HRT means he can utilise his many years of experience to aid their development.
“This is a very important step in my sporting career and one of the most meditated ones I’ve taken. I’m at a very good stage in terms of maturity and am prepared to take on this challenge, which motivates me hugely.
“When deciding on joining this project, for me there were three decisive factors: my desire to return to the active competition, the fact that HRT is a Spanish team and getting to know the people leading this project, Luis Pérez-Sala being amongst them. I’m here to work hard, with modesty and humility, accepting where we are now but keeping in mind where we want to be in 2 years time.
“For me, this is the time to put into practice everything that I have learnt over the years at international top level racing teams so that we can grow together. I am proud that Spain has an F1 team and that I have this opportunity to be its driver.”
De la Rosa took the time to thank HRT and McLaren, with whom he has spent several years with after joining in 2003.
“I can only show my gratitude towards HRT for having trusted in me for this. Lastly, I can’t forget to thank McLaren for allowing me to take this step. I have been very happy over the eight seasons I spent with them, growing as a driver and person. Without them I wouldn’t be here today.”
Colin Kolles, HRT Team Principal, added: “The team’s objective has always been to reinforce itself in every aspect: economically, technically and in a sporting aspect. Without a doubt, the addition of Pedro de la Rosa for next year will be a fundamental foundation in the development of our project. We are a young team that needs to continue progressing and with this incorporation I am convinced that we will do just that. Apart from being a great person he is an experienced driver as his career and prestige in Formula 1 prove. I give him my most sincere welcome. I am sure that he will adapt perfectly and that together we will achieve great things.”
Luis Pérez-Sala, HRT Sports Advisor said: “We have been working very hard for months on next season with the aim of making HRT F1 Team a more stable, competitive and reliable team and, little by little, this hard work is paying off. Having Pedro on board for this project is great news and with his ability and experience we are sure that we can take an important stride. I would like to thank Pedro for his trust and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for its predisposition to reach a positive agreement for everybody.”
