Caterham have confirmed that Charles Pic will join their team in 2013, moving from his current Marussia seat after agreeing a multi-year deal.
New Caterham team principal Cyril Abiteboul applauded Pic’s driving which has earnt the Frenchman much respect as he’s often matched his far more experienced team-mate Timo Glock.
“We are thrilled that Charles has decided to join us for his second season in F1 and beyond,” said Abiteboul.
“We are all looking forward to working with a young driver who has clearly shown in his first season in F1 that he has the pace, racecraft and demeanour to help us achieve our goals.
“Throughout the 2012 season we have been monitoring the progress that Charles has made, challenging us on several occasions in qualifying, and it is clear that he is a special talent.
“As the year has progressed he has performed extremely well against a very experienced team-mate and we are looking forward to seeing him develop further within the environment we will provide in 2013 and beyond.”
Explaining his decision to swicth teams, Pic believes Caterham has an ambitious future which will allow it to fight in the mid-field next season, despite Marussia’s recent surge.
“It is clear that the team has great ambitions for the future,” said the 25-year-old. “The investments already made and the decisions taken in the last few months show how committed the shareholders are to succeed and demonstrates their willingness to keep going forward.
“I am very excited about starting my second year in F1 with a team that has so much potential. Caterham F1 team has everything in place to help it move into a position to fight with a number of teams ahead.
“I know how determined the team is to keep progressing and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping them move up the grid.”
It’s expected Max Chilton will replace Pic alongside Glock, whilst both Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov remain in danger of losing their seats at Caterham for 2013.
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