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

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."

• Stroll vows to make Racing Point 'one of the greatest teams' in F1

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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