Sauber's new amigo - Perez lands 2011 seat
- Published on Oct 4th, 2010 by Jack LamureThe Mexican colours will ride back in to F1 next year after nearly three decades absence, with the lightening-quick Sergio Perez confirmed as Kamui Kobayashi's teammate for the 2011 season.
Perez has spent 2010 in feeder-series GP2, and currently sits second in the standings to newly crowned champion Pastor Maldonado.
© LAT/Autosport
But he's also very fast - anyone who saw his GP2 win at Monaco will believe that - and should be an exciting, fresh addition to the paddock.
In fact without a number of technical let-downs and incidences of bad luck Sergio would probably have pushed Pastor far hard for the championship.
"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," said the Perez.
"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."
If you judged the two drivers on lower-formula achievements alone Perez is undoubtedly the superior of the two Sauber drivers. British F3 National Class champion in 2007, aged just 17, he then had a run at the main series title in '08. He was one of four men still in the hunt for the championship at the last round, but ultimately finished bottom of that pile, with Jaime Alguersuari taking the honours. In 2009 he stepped up to GP2, and has this year shown himself to have bags of potential.
But Kobayashi has proven himself rather handy in 2010, performing so well as to get Pedro de la Rosa fired from the team. F1 clearly suits the Japanese racer, and alongside another hungry young charger the sparks could really fly.
Things could get very interesting at Sauber next year...
Ole! © LAT/Autosport
oh and i’d love to see a mark webber movie he is the most...
Comments and Discussion
I for one am really looking forward to seeing him in F1, he'd have been far closer to the GP2 title this year if not for early season poor luck. Though that does leave the question of where Heidfeld's going to go so soon after he got a race seat again?
He's fast, but how much of this deal is down to the TelMex money?
considering the gaping empty spaces on the Sauber......I'd say it might have a little bit to do with that
Yeah, it's massively to do with Telmex. Fellow Mexican and (Telmex-backed driver) Esteban Gutierrez is the team's new test driver, so it's a very big part of the deal. But Perez is unquestionably quick, and Gutierrez won GP3 this year, so whilst they're obviously getting a lot of financial help they are deserving of it. Mexico's not had an F1 driver for so long, so it's hard to begrudge a driver from there getting his break thanks to a wealthy benefactor.
But if he's no good, opinion will quickly turn, naturally.
I'd say perez is the perfect driver for sauber talent and financial backing is ideal for them.