SAO PAULO // The Formula One grid for next season continues to take shape as, tonight, two more race seats were confirmed for 2013. Charles Pic will drive for Caterham after moving from Marussia, while Sauber confirmed Esteban Gutierrez.
The announcements mean there are now seven possible vacancies and almost double the number of drivers fighting to fill them.
Sauber today revealed that Sergio Perez's slip of the tongue on Thursday was more than just wishful thinking as they ensured two Mexican drivers will line the grid for the first time since 1968. Perez had inadvertently revealed his compatriot would be replacing Kamui Kobayashi next season and pairing up with Nico Hulkenberg.
Gutierrez, who took part in this month's Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi acknowledged he is not sure whether he is ready yet to race in the top tier of motorsport.
"It doesn't make sense to say I am 100 per cent ready; it is difficult to say or judge right now how ready I am," the 21 year old said.
"When I'm in the position of being an F1 driver next season then I will know if I am ready or not. Definitely, I feel that I was comfortable to do the next step in my career. Now reaching F1 is just the beginning of a reality, so I am pleased for it."
Pic's move to Caterham has been seen by many as a sideways step. Marussia currently lead Caterham in the constructors' championship, but the Frenchman feels the ambition is greater at Tony Fernandes's marque.
"It is clear the team has great ambitions for the future," Pic said. "The investments already made and the decisions taken in the last few months show how committed the shareholders are to succeed."
Max Chilton is expected to replace Pic, whose move leaves the future of Caterham's Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov in doubt. Lewis Hamilton, the McLaren-Mercedes driver, topped both free practice sessions today on the opening day of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
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