Kamui Kobayashi has been driving for Sauber since 2010. The Japanese driver, who lived in Paris for a long time, recently moved to Switzerland to be closer to his team’s factory. He was right to believe in it, as he was confirmed by Peter Sauber as the team’s lead driver for next year.
Obviously, this official confirmation within the Hinwil team is very good news for the 24-year-old Japanese driver. « I am very proud to be able to drive another year for this team and I want to thank Peter Sauber (Team Owner) and Monisha Kaltenborn (Sauber Director) for believing in me. I also want to thank all the guys on the team for their work. In 2010, we had a very difficult season and complicated moments. We managed to come back because we are a strong team, » declares Kobayashi.
Sergio Pérez, on the other hand, is in his first Formula 1 season. He is still a rookie but impresses. He will naturally be extended for the next season and will now be able to focus on his progress rather than his future. « I want to thank Peter [Sauber] and Monisha [Kaltenborn] for their trust. Of course, it’s good to have continuity, and in this way, I will be able to prepare my races with the engineers more effectively. It will be my second season in Formula 1, but for now, I want to focus on the end of the 2011 season to finish as well as possible. The summer holidays will be very beneficial, I’ve been very busy since my accident in Monaco, and it can only do good! »
The two main drivers will be accompanied by a reserve driver. Esteban Gutiérrez, a 19-year-old Mexican currently in GP2, will also be part of the Sauber team for the 2012 season. He still has a lot to learn before reaching F1, but this officialization comes at the perfect time. « I feel very lucky today and grateful to Peter Sauber and the entire team. I have worked on making progress with their help and advice. So now I focus on further improving my technical skills and in this way, bridging the gap that still separates me from F1. »
Sauber has therefore chosen continuity in its lineup composed of very young drivers. The future will tell if they were right or not.
