McLaren insists Sauber driver Perez

Highly rated Sauber driver Sergio Perez on Thursday insisted he was ready for Formula One’s big time - but shot down speculation that top teams had approached him about a move. Perez, who underlined his talent by progressing from 12th on the grid to finish runner-up to McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton two weeks ago in Italy, simply answered “no” when asked if he had had approaches from other teams. “With respect to what Montezomolo said, with all his experience I fully respect his opinion,” the Mexican said in Singapore. “I have to know my position... it’s only my second year in Formula One. (But) I feel ready to do a good job for a top team, to be able to fight for the title, so in that respect I feel ready.” Perez dismissed rumours linking him to McLaren, insisting such talk always swirls after he puts in a good performance. After his second place in Malaysia early in the season, he was tipped for a move to Ferrari.