Perez signs new 3-year deal with Racing Point

Spa-Francorchamps - Sergio Perez has signed a three-year contract with SportPesa Racing Point, the Formula One team announced on Friday after opening practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The deal, which will keep Mexican Perez with SportPesa Racing Point until the end of 2022, is a rare sign of confidence in a driver by a 'midfield' F1 team at a time when multi-year agreements are rarely offered.

"We know Sergio very well and it's great to confirm him on a long-term deal," said SportPesa Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer.

"Over the last six years we have seen him become a very complete driver with excellent qualifying speed and exceptional race craft."

Perez will have Canadian Lance Stroll, 20, whose father Lawrence led the consortium that took over the former Force India outfit last year, as his team-mate.

"As the team continues to grow and develop, it's important to have a driver with Sergio's level of experience," added Szafnauer.

"The whole team is thrilled to continue working with Sergio and I believe we can enjoy great success together in the coming years."

Perez, formerly with McLaren, has scored five podium finishes since joining the team in 2014, when it was still Force India.