- Sauber
Sauber confirms Gutierrez for 2014
Sauber has confirmed Esteban Gutierrez will stay at the team next season to complete its driver line-up alongside Adrian Sutil.
Gutierrez's seat had been at threat from Russian teenager Sergey Sirotkin who will now join as test driver. The announcement coincides with an extension of Sauber's premium partnership with Telmex which has supported Gutierrez during his career and joined Sauber with fellow Mexican Sergio Perez in 2011.
Gutierrez scored just six points in his debut season but team principal Monisha Kaltenborn believes he still has more to offer.
"We are pleased Esteban will drive for us in 2014, because we believe he is a talented young racing driver," Kaltenborn said. "Last season he experienced first hand how hard it can be for a rookie to step into Formula One. Nevertheless, throughout the season he improved significantly in qualifying as well as in the races and finished the year as the best rookie in the drivers' championship.
"Often the results didn't fully reflect his performances. I am confident Esteban will be able to use his experiences to gain results, and this will be helped by the fact he is very well acquainted with every member of the race team."
Gutiérrez added: "I am happy to be able to continue as a driver for the Sauber F1 Team. It was a steep learning curve last season, but by working closely with the team I was able to improve continuously. It will be my fourth year with the team, the second as a racing driver, and I feel comfortable in taking the next step.
"The technical challenges in 2014 will be massive. Therefore it will be even more important to know well the people you are working with. I will do my very best to improve even more and support the team the best way I can."
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