De la Rosa commits to HRT for two years

This Monday, HRT officially announced, through a statement, the signing of Pedro de la Rosa as a main driver for the next two years. “The team’s goal has always been to strengthen in all areas, whether economic, technical, or sporting,” explains Colin Kolles, Team Principal of the Spanish team. “The arrival of Pedro de la Rosa next year will undoubtedly be fundamental in the development of our project. We are a young team that needs to continue progressing and, with this reinforcement, I am convinced that we will succeed. […] I am sure he will adapt perfectly and together we will accomplish great things.”

For his part, Luis Pérez Sala, HRT’s sporting advisor, also hopes that the arrival of Pedro de la Rosa will allow the team to take a step forward: « We have been working hard for months on the upcoming season with the goal of making HRT F1 Team a more stable, competitive, and reliable team: little by little, this hard work is paying off. Having Pedro on board with this project is great news, and with his skill and experience, we are sure he will help us take a big step forward. I would like to thank Pedro for his confidence and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for their willingness to find a positive compromise for everyone. »

The 40-year-old Spanish driver had already made a surprise comeback in 2010 with Sauber, from which he was sidelined during the season. In 2011, the Barcelona native returned to his role as a test and reserve driver at McLaren Mercedes, a position he held from 2003 to 2009, which notably led him to replace Juan Pablo Montoya in Bahrain in 2005 and for the entire end of the 2006 season after the fiery Colombian succumbed to the siren call of NASCAR.

Author, this season, having made an appearance for the Sauber team in Canada, replacing Sergio Perez, who was still suffering from his accident in Monaco, the man with 86 Grand Prix races under his belt is, therefore, embarking on a new chapter with a team that has been struggling chronically for two years. This challenge does not intimidate the Spaniard: « It is a very important step in my career and one of the most considered decisions I’ve made. I am ready to take on this challenge that motivates me tremendously. In deciding to join this project, there were three factors for me: firstly, my desire to actively return to competition; secondly, the fact that HRT is a Spanish team; and lastly, knowing the people leading this project, including Luis Pérez-Sala. I am here to work hard, with modesty and humility, accepting our current position but keeping in mind where we want to be in two years. For me, it is time to apply everything I have learned over the years I spent with top international teams so that we can grow together. I am proud that Spain has a Formula One team and to have the opportunity to be one of its drivers. I can only be grateful to HRT for the trust they have placed in me. Finally, I do not forget to thank McLaren for allowing me to take this step. I have been happy during the eight seasons I spent with them, growing as a driver but also as a person. Without them, I would not be here today. »

The return of Pedro de la Rosa is not a huge surprise, as the new majority shareholder of the team – Thesan Capital – had quickly expressed its desire to strengthen the Spanish identity of the team, notably by looking into Spanish drivers, including Pedro de la Rosa and Dani Clos. In all likelihood, the Spanish driver should replace the young Daniel Ricciardo, supported by Red Bull – and who could therefore end up at Toro Rosso in 2012 –, while, in recent weeks, Vitantonio Liuzzi was claiming to have a long-term contract with the Murcia-based team.