Perez a 'good comparison' for Stroll says Canadian GP promoter

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Canadian Grand Prix promoter François Dumontier believes Sergio Perez will represent a good benchmark for Lance Stroll at Racing Point F1 in 2019.

The Montreal-born 20-year-old has left Williams and moved to Racing Point F1, the former Force India squad acquired by his father Lawrence Stroll last summer.

"It's good news. It seems like a competitive team," Dumontier told Le Journal de Montreal.

"I am also very happy about the acquisition by Lawrence. When you look at the shareholding of the team, you can almost say it's a Canadian team."

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The new environment will provide Lance Stroll with an opportunity to measure himself against Perez, a reliable and fast driver with 155 Grands Prix under his belt.

"It was a very difficult season at Williams," said Dumontier.

"I find that a shame because it is a world champion team that often fought for the title. But F1 works by cycle.

"Perez is a good driver to compare with. He is fast and on track is difficult to overtake. He has done good things in the past.

"I think for Lance it will be a nice comparison, as was Felipe Massa in his first season. Although Massa was there to be the mentor, Lance could compare with someone who won races. And he did well," Dumontier added.

"He finished 12th in the championship with points and a podium, and people did not expect that," he concluded.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.