Mexican racer Esteban Gutierrez has been named as the second driver of new Formula One team Haas for their inaugural campaign in the sport in 2016.
The American outfit, who have a technical tie-up with Ferrari, made the announcement in Mexico City on the sport's return to the country after a 23-year absence .
Gutierrez, currently the reserve driver for Ferrari, will join Frenchman Romain Grosjean who was unveiled as the team's lead driver last month.
The newly-formed outfit were created by Gene Haas, co-owner of the Stewart-Haas NASCAR team, and while their base is in America they will also work out of Banbury in Oxfordshire.
"This is an excellent opportunity that builds on my time with Ferrari and I will make the most of it," said Gutierrez.
"Gene Haas believes in me and I believe in how he's going about competing in Formula One.
"To have a race seat in a competitive car with Ferrari power is very special, and I appreciate the faith he has in me. I trust we'll be able to achieve great things together."
Gutierrez competed in 38 races for Sauber across two seasons before he was dropped at the end of the 2014 campaign.
Gutierrez, who joins Sergio Perez as the second Mexican on the Formula One grid, finished in the points just once after crossing the line in seventh at the 2013 Japanese Grand Prix.
"I got to know Esteban through our relationship with Ferrari, and after looking at the success he's had to earn his role there, it became clear he was an excellent choice for our race team," said Haas.
"He's young and hungry, but not inexperienced. His two years running a full F1 schedule has given him some very good race experience, and having spent this season at Ferrari as their third driver allowed him to see first-hand the methodology that makes Ferrari such a power in Formula One.
"We're very happy to have Esteban as a part of our race team. Between him and Romain, we have a strong driver line-up that will help us develop our car and, ultimately, score some points in our inaugural season."
Haas' announcement on Friday evening means Manor are the only team yet to confirm their line-up for 2016.
And the team's future was shrouded in uncertainty here after it was reported that team principal John Booth and sporting director Graeme Lowdon have resigned.
Source: PA
