May 25 (GMM) Sauber and Sergio Perez can count on their powerful Mexican backing well into the future.

Carlos Slim Domit, the son of the world's richest man, was in Barcelona last weekend to check on Telmex and other Mexican sponsors' backing of rookie driver Perez and the Swiss team.

"I am very proud, as is the whole country," said Slim, referring to the form displayed so far by 21-year-old Perez.

Asked how long he planned to support the driver and his new team, he answered: "A long, long time.

"Why not?" he added when asked by Blick newspaper if a five-year partnership can be envisaged. "We have a long term goal. We want to win the world championship one day.

"We have the time and with Perez a racing driver with great potential. He is only just beginning his great career," said Slim.

He was told by Blick that ultimate success in formula one costs many hundreds of millions of dollars.

"We will support Sauber with the necessary resources for as much development as possible. We are very happy with this team. We are like a family," added slim.

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