At the start of the year, CERTINA and Pedro de la Rosa, Formula 1 driver, embarked on a friendly and close partnership. Pedro―with his open and professional nature, is the perfect ambassador for our brand, especially in the Spanish market. He has an excellent reputation, as a driver with considerable technical expertise and many years of experience.

Pedro de la Rosa was born in Barcelona on 24 February 1971 and, unlike other motorsport drivers, does not have a traditional karting career behind him. He was much more interested in radio-controlled off-roader cars—a hobby at which he excelled, winning the European Championship twice and once finishing as runner-up in the World Championship. In 1988, Pedro joined the world of karting and it quickly became clear that he also possessed a great talent for controlling vehicles that he himself was in. The Spanish Automobile Federation sponsored De la Rosa and put him forward for the “Ofensiva Uno” formula series in which he raced in 1989, taking first place in the championship. After competing in various formula series in Spain, Pedro switched to racing in Britain in 1992 where he competed in various racing classes. In 1995, he moved again to Japan where he raced in Formula 3, Formula 3000 and the GT championship for the next three years, once again excelling and winning the championship title in all three classes.

In 1998, Pedro de la Rosa was ready for Formula 1 and joined Jordan as a test driver. One year later, he moved to Arrows as a regular F1 team driver, then from 2001 spent two years with the Jaguar team. In 2003, De la Rosa moved to the McLaren Mercedes team as test driver and reserve driver. It was the Grand Prix in which he got to race that were particular highlights for him during this period; for example in Bahrain in 2005 when he had to jump into the cockpit at short notice but still managed to complete the fastest race lap and finished in 5th place. The year after, he started eight times for the McLaren Mercedes team and secured a podium finish, coming second in Hungary.
In the years that have passed, Pedro has matured and acquired an enormous depth of knowledge. He is convinced that he is a better racing driver today than when he joined McLaren Mercedes in 2003.
Pedro de la Rosa drove for the BMW Sauber F1 Team from the start of the 2010 season until mid-September. From fall 2010, he will be official test driver of Formula 1 tyres for the legendary Italian manufacturer PIRELLI, whose exciting comeback into Formula 1 is planned for 2011.

With Pedro de la Rosa, CERTINA has found an ambassador whose dedication, positive attitude to life and, above all, open character, fit perfectly with our brand.

“With his wealth of experience and his professionalism, Pedro is a safe bet in Formula 1," explains Adrian Bosshard, President of Certina. His technical expertise is also a great asset in the efficient development of a Formula 1 car. Beyond all that, however, he is also a great sportsman—the ideal complement to the Certina team."

Of his partnership with CERTINA, Pedro de la Rosa says, “It is fantastic to have a partner like CERTINA on my side. CERTINA’s sporty watches also perfectly match my style and I know that I can rely on them, both on and off the race track.”