It has been confirmed by Sauber on Monday afternoon that 20-year-old Mexican Sergio Pérez, this year’s runner-up in GP2, will be partnering Kamui Kobayashi for the 2011 Formula 1 season. The link-up also brings with it sponsorship from telecommunications giant Telmex.

Backed by Telmex, which is owned by the world’s richest man Carlos Slim, Pérez has lost out to GP2 Champion Pastor Maldonado this season although, as expected by many in the paddock, he has now been confirmed at Sauber - meaning Nick Heidfeld is once again out of a drive for next year.


Pérez will become F1's first Mexican driver since Héctor Rebaque 30 years earlier

“Formula 1 is the dream of every young racing driver,” Pérez commented, “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, Team Principal “.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 Pérez and Kamui Kobayashi, we will have a strong driver pairing.”


Also on Monday:
Sauber announces sponsorship deal with Telmex