Monisha Kaltenborn became the first woman team principal inFormula One when she took control of Sauber with immediate effect after itsfounder decided to step down from day-to-day management.
Kaltenborn, 41, an Austrian of Indian origin, joined thecompany in 2000 to run the legal department, was appointed a member of theboard of management not long afterwards and took over as CEO of SauberMotorsport AG in January 2010. In late 2011 Peter Sauber transferred a third ofthe company's shares into her name. "Naturally I'm very aware of the majorresponsibility I have for Peter Sauber's racing team," said Kaltenborn inthe statement. "He founded the team over 40 years ago, and in the springit will be 20 years since Sauber lined up for its debut Formula One grand prix.We are the fourth-oldest team in Formula One. "To build up a project likethis and keep it alive in a difficult environment is a tremendous achievement.I have set my sights high and am committed to taking the team forward as PeterSauber would want and leading it on to success."
Sauber are sixth in the constructors' championship with fiveraces to go. Sergio Perez, the Sauber driver who is set for a move to McLarennext season, said: "Monisha is very capable of treating people the rightway so I wish her the very best.”
Peter Sauber had always made it clear that he did not wishto be running the team, which he built more than four decades ago, when heturned 70. Sauber will continue in his capacity as president of the board ofdirectors of all Sauber Group companies and remain responsible for the group'sstrategic direction, a team statement said. "We decided a long time agothat Monisha would take over from me, but we left the timing open" Sauber,one of the biggest names in Formula One, said in the statement.
