Sergio Perez preparing for final race with Sauber at Brazil

Sergio Perez is preparing for his final race as a Sauber driver at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, before the Mexican star moves to McLaren next season to replace the Mercedes-bound Lewis Hamilton for 2013. Perez has enjoyed his most competitive season so far in F1 this year, and aims to end his time with Sauber on a high.

With Lewis Hamilton set to leave McLaren for Mercedes next season, the Woking-based outfit have signed Sergio Perez as his replacement. Despite mixed opinions throughout the paddock on the team’s decision to sign such a young and relatively inexperienced driver, both Perez and McLaren remain confident of a successful and prosperous partnership.

Sergio Perez has finished on the podium three times so far this season, however he has endured a recent run of uncompetitive results proceedings his announcement with McLaren for 2013. Since the Singapore Grand Prix back in September, Perez has failed to finish within the points and has retired from two of the last five races. However, the 22-year-old Mexican remains confident he can end the season in positive fashion at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

“The Brazilian Grand Prix will be the last race of a very long season that has seen a lot of ups and downs, and it will be a very special event for me as it is the last race I will drive for my team of Sauber before I leave.” Explained Sergio Perez, “It is a great team and I want to thank everybody for everything they have done for me over the last two years. I am sure it will be very emotional for me in Interlagos. The best way to say thank you, of course, would be a great result and to beat the team in front of us. This is my target. I believe and I hope our car should be good enough there for a strong top ten position.”

With both Sauber and Mercedes failing to score any points at the United States Grand Prix last time out, the gap between the two teams in the Constructors’ Championship remains at 12 points. The Hinwil-based outfit are adamant they can catch Mercedes for fifth in the Championship, with a double-points finish this weekend at Sao Paulo.

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