Gutierrez officially confirmed at Sauber, Frijns becomes reserve driver

Former GP3 Champion Esteban Gutierrez has been officially confirmed alongside Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber next season, ending much speculation with regards to the second seat at the team. This confirmation will most likely leave Kamui Kobayashi without a drive next season, unless he can find a drive with another outfit.

This news was practically confirmed yesterday at the Interlagos circuit by departing driver Sergio Perez, who admitted that Hulkenberg and team-mate Gutierrez would have a decent car for next season. Although no official confirmation followed Perez’s unorthodox announcement, his fellow countryman has long been hinted at filling his vacancy. Since winning the inaugural GP3 Championship back in 2010, the 21-year-old Mexican has been associated with the Sauber outfit as their test and reserve driver.

After enjoying several highly competitive seasons in GP2 with Lotus GP, it was widely believed Gutierrez was on course to break into Formula 1. When Sergio Perez was confirmed at McLaren next season, Gutierrez became one of the leading candidates to replace him. The Mexican driver will partner outbound Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg next season, as the driving line-up at the Hinwil-based outfit completely changes for 2013.

“After three years working with Sauber I feel very grateful for all the attention I have received from everyone in the team and for all their input, which has allowed me to develop into a Formula One driver in a very progressive way.” Explained Esteban Gutierrez, “Now, after experiencing other categories of racing as an introduction to Formula One, this is the start of the real challenge to succeed at the pinnacle of motor sport. It will be a great pleasure to be racing in the same team as an experienced driver like Nico Hülkenberg. He will be a good reference point for me and will push me to adapt quickly to F1 competition so we can develop the car together with the team in the best way.”

With Esteban Gutierrez receiving a “promotion” within the Sauber outfit, newly-crowned Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Robin Frijns has been confirmed as the teams new reserve driver. The Dutchman greatly impressed the Swiss outfit during the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test earlier in the month, whilst testing for Sauber and Red Bull. The Dutchman took three victories on his way to Championship supremacy in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, whilst racing for Fortec Motorsports.

“I’m very happy the Sauber F1 Team has given me this opportunity.” Enthused Robin Frijns, “I would like to thank Monisha Kaltenborn and Peter Sauber for their belief and trust in me by signing me to join their team as a test and reserve driver. With this opportunity I will try to help the team as much as possible and get the chance to learn how Formula 1 works in an extremely professional environment. I am already very much looking forward to getting the 2013 season started and working together with the team.”

Throughout the 2012 season, Sauber have stepped onto the podium four times with both Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi. Despite coming agonizingly close to victory, particularly at the Malaysian Grand Prix, the team have remained a threat at each race this year. The Swiss outfit will be aiming to continue remaining competitive next season, as Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Gutierrez strive for success with the outfit.

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