Despite his eternally youthful good looks that defy both his age and experience, it really is 10 years since Vodafone McLaren Mercedes test driver Pedro de la Rosa made his Formula 1 debut – at the 1999 Australian Grand Prix.
At the wheel of an Arrows A20 fitted with a 3-litre Hart V10, Pedro started his first grand prix from 18th (out of 22) and finished sixth, scoring a point on his Formula 1 debut. After a stint at Jaguar Racing, Pedro joined McLaren-Mercedes in 2003 and has become an integral part of the operation, successfully racing for us on nine occasions, and repeatedly proving invaluable in refining and developing the team’s cars into race- and championship-winning contenders.
Lewis on Pedro
“I’ve known Pedro since he joined the team in 2003. His approach, outlook and positivity were an inspiration to me as I prepared to make my Formula 1 debut. His efforts over the years have lifted this team to some phenomenal heights. I am proud of what Pedro has done – and continues to do – for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, the guy is a legend.”
Heikki on Pedro
“Pedro is such a professional. He has incredible technical knowledge, takes his job very seriously, works so hard and still has 100 per cent motivation to help improve the team and the car. He’s also one of the nicest guys in the paddock, somebody who takes the extra time to ensure the drivers are properly represented by the GPDA and, perhaps most importantly, somebody who will always put a smile on your face.”
Martin on Pedro
“If you are looking for an example of a modern Formula 1 driver who works tirelessly to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the quest for additional performance, then you need look no further than Pedro. There is absolutely no denying that his considerable abilities have had a direct impact on our performance. In particular, his relentless support and guidance during the seasonal development of last year’s MP4-23 helped maintain it at the competitive vanguard until the crucial final race in Brazil. He is not only the best test driver in the business, he is also a fantastic bloke and an essential and much-loved part of our team.”
Norbert on Pedro
“Ten Years After: what great memories! I was here in Melbourne when Pedro started his first Formula 1 race for Arrows. He is such a dedicated driver and a knowledgeable specialist – arguably the man with the biggest technical background behind a Formula 1 steering wheel. Pedro came to McLaren-Mercedes nine Formula 1 cars ago, droving and helping to develop all of them and contributing enormously to our recent successes. Pedro is an integral part of a team which has won 27 grands prix since he joined in 2003. Most importantly of all, Pedro is a very good friend and always will be. Thanks Pedro, we need you even more with the greater restrictions on testing and I feel privileged to work with you.”
10 PEDRO FACTS TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
1. Pedro has driven in 71 grands prix for Arrows, Jaguar Racing and McLaren-Mercedes. He has scored 29 points, taken one podium (second in Budapest, 2006) and one fastest lap (Bahrain, 2005).
2. He joins a select group of 57 drivers who have scored points on their Formula 1 debuts. Past luminaries include world champions Alain Prost (6th, Argentina 1980), Jacques Villeneuve (2nd, Australia 1996), Kimi Raikkonen (6th, Australia 2001) and Lewis Hamilton (3rd, Australia 2007). More recently achievers include, Sebastien Vettel (8th, USA 2007) and Sebastien Bourdais (8th, Australia 2008).
3. His first test with McLaren-Mercedes was at Jerez on March 12 2003 at the wheel of the MP4-17D.
4. Over the course of seven seasons, Pedro has spent 214 days testing for McLaren-Mercedes.
5. Pedro’s busiest season as the team’s test driver was in 2006: he drove at six circuits over the course of 54 days and recorded a staggering
4958 laps!
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