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Agag expects Gutierrez to mount Formula E title charge in season four

F1 Grand Prix of Malaysia - Practice

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico and Haas F1 in the Paddock after practice for the Malaysia Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit on September 30, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

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FIA Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag believes that recent Formula 1 driver Esteban Gutierrez can become a title contender when he races full-time in the all-electric championship.

After losing his seat with the Haas team at the end of the 2016 season, Gutierrez announced earlier this week that he would be joining Formula E for the race in Mexico City in April.

The 2010 GP3 champion is set to also feature in New York City before securing a full-season seat for the championship’s fourth campaign, due to start in the fall of 2017.

Speaking to the Formula E website, Agag spoke warmly of Gutierrez’s arrival, before adding that he believes the Mexican can become a title contender.

“I think that’s great news for the championship,” Agag said.

“We’ve known Esteban for a long time. I was in GP2 when Esteban was there and obviously he’s a great driver. He’s a young driver and has a long career in front of him and is choosing to follow his career after Formula 1 in Formula E.

“At his age, I see a very bright future for him. I think it’s going to be great for the Mexico race to have a local star for the fans to cheer for.

“This year Esteban is going to be on a learning curve in Formula E. He’s missed two races of the season already, so it’s not a season for him to try to win the championship, but a season to learn.

“He’ll race in Mexico and New York. We have a few clashes with other championships that will free up seats and for him to occupy those seats and to learn.

“And then after that in season four, I think he’ll have a proper race driver and will be one of the guys who is going to fight for the championship.”

Gutierrez is expected to step in for one of the drivers unable to race in Mexico and New York due to the clashes with the FIA World Endurance Championship.

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