Charles Pic convinced by Caterham potential in the long run

The Frenchman's long-anticipated move to Caterham was confirmed this morning and he has no doubt that the team has the capacity to move up the grid.

Although Pic is switching from Marussia, which is currently ahead of Caterham in 10th place in the constructors' championship, he doesn't see it as a sideways step.

"They have got big potential for the future," said Pic when asked by AUTOSPORT about his move.

"It's a young team and we will progress together next year.

"It's a great opportunity for me with a lot of French connections.

"There are some very strong points at Caterham, like the Renault engine."

Pic said he is not setting targets for the 2013 season, other than expressing his confidence that he and the team will make progress.

He has yet to score a point in his 19-race grand prix career, but despite showing good potential during his rookie season he refused to predict top 10 finishes next year.

"I don't want to set objectives right now because it will depend on many parameters that we don't know yet," he said when asked by AUTOSPORT whether he was confident of fighting for points.

"The most important thing is that we need to make progress and I'm sure that we will. This is the objective."

Pic added that the deal will not affect how hard he will push this weekend as Marussia bids to hold on to its position ahead of Caterham.

If either of Caterham's two drivers, Heikki Kovalainen or Vitaly Petrov, can finish in the top 12, Marussia will be demoted to 11th provided neither of its cars beats the best Caterham.

"This changes nothing for me," said Pic.

"I am still with Marussia for this race and I will give 100 per cent to get them the best results."