Sauber: Perez and sponsor Telmex will arrive in 2011

Rumors of negotiations between Sauber and Telmex have been circulating for months, and Carlos Slim, owner of the telecommunications giant and the richest man in the world, has never hidden his interest in Formula One. Now there is the official announcement: Telmex will be Sauber's sponsor starting from next season and will have a significant presence on the single-seater's livery. “We are happy and proud that they have chosen to enter Formula One by choosing to take this step with us,” said Peter Sauber.

Also part of the agreement is the hiring of the Mexican Sergio Perez as second driver for 2011. The driver, until now involved in GP2, will join Kamui Kobayashi and the other Mexican Esteban Gutierrez, a Sauber reserve driver who was involved in the GP3 championship.

Carlos Slim Domit, son of the Mexican tycoon, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement: "We feel very proud of being able to consolidate these years of work to have a Mexican driver in F1 with Sauber."

While Perez thanks Peter Sauber for the opportunity granted: “I would like to thank Peter Sauber for the faith he has placed in me and I will do everything I can to make the most of this wonderful opportunity.”

Robert Ferrari