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Sirotkin unable to postpone F1 chance

ESPN Staff
July 22, 2013 « Raikkonen confident of more victories | McLaren has to move on after 'painful' mistakes - Neale »
Sergey Sirotkin is set to race for Sauber in 2014 © Renault
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Sergey Sirotkin says he couldn't turn down the opportunity to race in Formula One next year despite concerns over his age.

Russian investment in to Sauber included a clause that means Sirotkin will be prepared for a race seat with the team in 2014 despite being just 17 years old at present. Currently competing in his debut season of Formula Renault 3.5, Sirotkin said he may benefit from another year in the category but that it's impossible to pass up the opportunity to drive in Formula One when it comes along.

"The chance to be a Formula 1 driver is not something you can have every day," Sirotkin told Autosport. "OK, maybe spending one more year in World Series, I could be more ready, but after one more year maybe there is no chance for me to be a Formula 1 driver. I don't think that someone in my place could say 'No, I want to stay in World Series'."

However, Sirotkin believes that he will be well prepared by the time 2014 comes around having been set on an early development path.

"At the moment maybe I am a little bit too young but that doesn't mean I cannot be ready. I have more than half a year to learn, I am doing a good preparation programme, and I can be ready. I don't think it is going to be a big problem."

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