Sauber Formula 1 Team has confirmed Esteban Gutierrez as their second driver alongside Nico Hulkenberg for 2013.
Monisha Kaltenborn, Sauber team principal, is adamant that Gutierrez is ready to be on the F1 grid.
“Esteban has already been part of the team for a long time and we have followed his career very closely,” said Kaltenborn.
“Esteban has great talent and now he’s ready to take the leap. We are in no doubt we have a strong driver pairing in place for the 2013 season with Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez.”
The announcement means Kamui Kobayashi is unlikely be on next year’s F1 grid; Sergio Perez meanwhile has already secured a McLaren seat.
Kaltenborn thanked the Japanese driver for his contribution to Sauber since joining in 2010.
“Over the last three years Kamui has shown us he is not only a fierce competitor on the track, but also a wonderful person and fantastic team player,” she said.
“We wish Kamui all the best for the future.”