Luis Pérez-Sala, Hispano Suiza Driver Ambassador: the driver behind the heart and soul of the Spanish hypercar

• A former Formula 1 driver, Spanish Touring Car Champion and renowned test driver, Luis Pérez-Sala brings his expertise to the Hispano Suiza hypercar.
• Pérez-Sala has been involved since the Hispano Suiza project began in 2019 and has played a key role in the evolution of the Hispano Suiza Carmen into the Sagrera.
• Transferring his know-how to technicians, mechanics and engineers and every kilometre behind the wheel, have been instrumental in defining the essence of the most advanced Spanish hypercar of all times.

Luis Pérez-Sala has been part of the Hispano Suiza project since 2019 as a Driver Ambassador and test driver. His experience at the pinnacle of motorsport and his in-depth understanding of the dynamic behaviour of all types of cars have been instrumental both in the creation of the Carmen and in its development into the Sagrera, contributing directly to the character of the most advanced Spanish hypercar in history.

Pérez-Sala is one of the few Spanish drivers to have competed in Formula 1. Born in Barcelona in 1959, he spent two seasons with the Minardi team, in 1988 and 1989, during which time he finished sixth in the 1989 British Grand Prix, a particularly significant result for one of the more modest teams on the grid. His sporting career also includes notable appearances in Formula 3000, the Spanish GT Championship and the Spanish Touring Car Championship, which he won in 1991 and 1993.

Following his time in motorsport, he embarked on a new career path focused on vehicle reviews for those looking for a new model, as well as motorsport management. He worked as a test driver for Spanish newspaper El País, where he drove and assessed hundreds of models, sharing his technical insights with readers. He also collaborated with the RACC’s Young Drivers programme and served as Team Principal of the HRT Formula 1 team. In 2019, he joined the revived Hispano Suiza project, participating from the outset in the development of the brand’s new generation of vehicles.

“Hispano Suiza holds a very special place in automotive history. It was a Spanish brand that managed to position itself at the global forefront, with high-performance vehicles and a level of refinement that made it a benchmark for international high society during its early years, from 1904 to 1946,” explains Pérez-Sala, now the company’s Driver Ambassador.

“My relationship with the Suqué Mateu family gave me a first-hand insight into the scale of the project and the care with which it had been crafted. When Hispano Suiza CEO Sergio Martínez Campos asked me to join as a development driver, test driver and brand ambassador, I saw it as both a responsibility and a source of pride. From my position, I have the opportunity to help shape the experience an owner will have behind the wheel of a Hispano Suiza, something particularly significant when we’re talking about one of the most exclusive cars in the world,” he adds.

Throughout his sporting career, Pérez-Sala stood out for his ability to get the most out of the resources at his disposal, even in technically demanding situations. His approach has always been based on a detailed analysis of the vehicle, a precise interpretation of each track session, and constant communication with engineers and mechanics, all aimed at optimising performance, comfort and safety without compromising the brand’s design identity.

A dream job comes with a great deal of responsibility

Luis Pérez-Sala highlights the extraordinary performance of the Hispano Suiza Carmen, Carmen Boulogne and Carmen Sagrera models, each delivering over 1,100 hp and 1,160 Nm of torque. These figures reflect the advanced technological development of the brand’s electric hypercars and the rigorous validation work carried out over years of road and track testing.

“Today’s Hispano Suiza cars are just as impressive on the outside as they are on the inside. Externally, they evoke the Xenia Dubonnet, reinterpreted by the design team led by Francesc Arenas based on a 1930s design. Behind the wheel, however, it handles like a true racing car. “The first time I saw it, it really caught my eye, and even more so when I drove it: a true hypercar, with enormous power and acceleration that takes your breath away; capable of impressing even those who have driven Formula 1 cars,” he says.

Pérez-Sala has been involved in this generation of hypercars since the brand’s revival in 2019. His experience and in-depth knowledge of the development of all types of road and racing vehicles led Hispano Suiza to seek his services; and his personal connection with the Suqué Mateu family, owners of Hispano Suiza since its foundation by Damián Mateu and Marc Birkigt in 1904, prompted his involvement in the project.

Over the years, Pérez-Sala has tested the vehicles in a wide variety of environments during the development phase, from icy roads in Andorra to high-temperature conditions in Andalusia, validating the performance of the model and its components – particularly the batteries – in extreme situations. It has also undergone track testing, mainly at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, considered the brand’s home, as well as at Castellolí, Calafat and Ronda. Off the track, the electric hypercar has been driven through cities such as Barcelona, Miami, Carmel in the vicinity of the Pebble Beach event, and Madrid, as well as various urban environments in Catalonia with a view to optimising its efficiency. Wherever it appears, the model generates considerable excitement among the public.

“From the moment the car touches the tarmac, a continuous process of validation, fine-tuning and development begins. We want the customer to experience the performance of a genuine hypercar developed using technology derived from motorsport,” he explains.

“During the thousands of kilometres of testing, we focused first on ensuring that everything worked properly in all conditions, and then on fine-tuning the ride quality. We also paid particular attention to safety, comfort and attention to detail, as these are an essential part of the high-quality experience we want to offer our customers,” he adds.

Hispano Suiza’s current Driver Ambassador maintains close contact with the company’s management, led by its CEO, Sergio Martínez Campos, and the rest of the team. As a result, he regularly takes part in strategic meetings and in the test programmes organised by the technical team. He also takes part in international events where the brand requires a top-level driver, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where the company has been present at several editions. Furthermore, he accompanies Hispano Suiza vehicle owners on their first drives, strengthening the direct link between the brand and its community of owners.

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