De la Rosa may step down as GPDA chairman

Pedro de la Rosa may step back as chairman of the formula one drivers’ association GPDA.

The 38-year-old Spaniard fulfilled the role in the recent past but on Sunday began in earnest his return to the grid as the Sauber C29 was launched in Spain.

“Good question,” de la Rosa is quoted as answering when asked if he will now have enough time to devote to the safety-oriented body.

For the past seven years, de la Rosa has travelled to all the grands prix predominantly in the role as McLaren’s test and reserve driver.

“I don’t know yet, I haven’t decided it myself.  We will have to discuss this with the GPDA members.

“It will obviously be more difficult now for me to have the chairmanship, because I have less time.

“I personally believe that we need someone who has more time than a race driver.  As a test driver it was easy,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Spanish morning newspaper El Periodico said de la Rosa is making his race return this year in the hope of attracting Spanish sponsors to Hinwil based Sauber.

Team owner Peter Sauber said he hopes “a Spanish sponsor, one of the major Spanish companies, is encouraged (to enter) F1 now that de la Rosa is back”.

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