Sauber confirms de la Rosa on standby for Valencia

Sauber has confirmed reports Pedro de la Rosa will step in once again this weekend if Sergio Perez is not well enough to race.

Spanish veteran de la Rosa, despite being McLaren’s official reserve driver, took Perez’s place in Canada after the Mexican rookie felt ill before the second Friday practice session.

The 21-year-old flew from Montreal to his native country to recover with well-known physio Josef Leberer.

"I feel perfectly well and I’m very much looking forward to racing in Valencia," said Perez.

Team boss Peter Sauber last week defended his decision to call up de la Rosa in Canada rather than the Swiss team’s own official reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez, who is 19.

"Pedro did a very good job," confirmed managing director Monisha Kaltenborn, according to Tuttosport.

"In Montreal he got into our car, driving it without knowing it well. He did a great job for us."

As for the forthcoming Valencia street race in a week, Kaltenborn continued: "We see no reason why Sergio should not drive.

"By the time of the European grand prix he will have recovered, but if he has not then we will make use again of Pedro, because of his vast experience," she added.