Esteban Gutierrez

Oschersleben, Germany - Esteban Manuel Gutierrez Gutierrez lived an emotional Friday as, besides qualifying ninth for the ninth round of the Formula 3 Euroseries, it was made official that he will have the opportunity to test a Formula One car this year.

Esteban recorded the fifth best time this morning with a lap time of 1:21.821, and qualified in the ninth place with a lap time of 1:21.253 against 25 other drivers, which demonstrates his consistency as well as his team’s.

“Our results today were a little more consistent during practice and qualifying. I feel a significant progress of my physical condition at the wheel and this is indicative that we can keep a good pace throughout the race, minimizing the risk for mistakes”, said Esteban.

“I feel very happy since, internally, comparing to the references we have, we are little by little closing the gap with the leaders, showing that we can continue improving. The result could have been a little better, but still I feel relaxed for tomorrow’s race because our race pace is competitive”.

“There is a good chance for us to achieve our goal of adding up some championship points. The reaction to the starting light is going to be very important to keep our initial position and to gain as many positions as I can, staying out of trouble to avoid ending our race in the first corner. I will give my best effort to keep my very good starting position to try and gain some championship points. I feel grateful to the team because we have developed a good chemistry to learn new things and of course the resources we have at hand to enjoy driving the car”, said the Mexican driver.

Besides his focus on the European series, Esteban will have a new objective this year, as he faces the opportunity to test a Formula One car despite having only two years racing in the international scene.

The young driver, who will turn 18 on August 5th, will test a Formula One car for the first time in his life on December 1-3 of this year, at the Spanish circuit of Jerez de la Frontera, and for this priceless opportunity he will be preparing at the top of his capacity.

“I feel very grateful to BMW Sauber who, despite retiring from Formula One at the end of this year, is giving us the chance to feel what driving a Formula One car is like. Somehow, all the effort that we have put into this project is starting to pay off. It’s not only my effort and dedication but also that of my family, my girlfriend, my friends, all the people supporting me in Mexico and Latin America, the media, sponsors, and all of those who work with me who share my career achievements”, explained the Mexican driver.

“I could not explain how grateful and happy I feel because this news is very motivating for me to continue working even harder on my preparation in a way that will benefit the projects that we have in progress. It is difficult to digest the big chance I’m facing as this is only my third year in the sport and I am only almost 18, but I know that God is giving me this chances for a reason and I have to live it as if it was the only one I will have”.

“I have a big challenge in front of me and we have to stay focused in what we’re doing. I will give may best effort and dedication to represent Latin America and Mexico in the best way possible seeking to open new opportunities for us in the future”.

Esteban thanks his sponsors Multigama, DeAcero, Telmex, Alpinestars, and Bell for supporting him on this new challenge called Formula 3 Euroseries.

Website: www.motorsportarena.com
Track Length: 3.696 km
Track Record. Formula 3 Euroseries: 1:19.183 minutes / Lewis Hamilton, 2005
Race Length: Sat: 22 laps or 30 min / Sun: 30 laps or 40 min
Winners 2008: Not in last year´s calendar