Diniz's Sauber seat official

(7-Oct-98) - Sauber have officially announced that Pedro Diniz has signed
with the Swiss team to partner Jean Alesi in '99.

"We are delighted that we could sign Pedro Diniz who has the necessary
experience with four years in Formula 1 and 65 Grands Prix under his
belt," said team boss Peter Sauber.

He went on to say that the choice of Diniz was made due to his driving
ability and not the rumoured œ5 million he would bring the team in
sponsorship: "Compared to his highly rated team-mates his performance
in the past two years has impressed us more than his regularly mentioned
relationship with strong business partners."

"We will give Pedro the opportunity to prove his potential as a driver
alongside Jean Alesi. I am convinced that with Jean Alesi and Pedro Diniz
we will have the strong driver pairing in the coming season to reach our
ambitious goals."

Diniz said that his decision to join the team was influenced by Peter
Sauber's recognition of his skill as a driver over his financial package.
He also pointed out Sauber's resources, something current team Arrows
cannot presently match.

"I am very much looking forward to working with Peter Sauber,"
said the Brazilian. "Red Bull Sauber Petronas has the technical
potential and the human resources to make an important step forward next
season."

"What tipped the scale in favour of joining Sauber has been the fact
that Peter Sauber and his partners first of all rated me on my performance
in Formula 1 so far. I will do my very best to justify the confidence
placed in me with adequate results."

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