F1: Gutierrez Drives For Sauber In FP1

Formula 1

F1: Gutierrez Drives For Sauber In FP1

Sauber reserve Esteban Gutierrez was called upon to step in for Sergio Perez in FP1 in India...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted October 26, 2012 New Delhi (IND)

Esteban Gutierrez has a good chance of landing a race seat for 2013. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Sauber confirmed on Friday that Esteban Gutierrez was to replace Sergio Perez in FP1 in India.

A handily-timed illness for Perez gave the team the perfect opportunity to evaluate its reserve driver, who has a good chance of landing a race seat for 2013. Gutierrez, who has had very few opportunities to try a car on track, will also do the Abu Dhabi Young Driver test.

Oddly enough, the team expects that by missing FP1, Perez will be in good shape for the rest of the weekend.

A statement said: "Due to the fact Sauber F1 Team race driver Sergio Pérez is unwell, the Sauber F1 Team has decided to let its reserve driver Esteban Gutiérrez jump into the car for the first free practice session ahead of the Indian Grand Prix on Friday. This should help Sergio's speedy recovery so he is able to drive for the remainder of the weekend."

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.