New McLaren signing Sergio Perez admits that a move to Ferrari was never on the table for him for next season

Sergio Perez has admitted that Ferrari were "never an option" for him for 2013 despite the incessant speculation that a move to the Scuderia had been his move likely choice.

After the first reports of an approach to McLaren emerged, Perez denied he had spoken to the Woking team's management when quizzed on the matter in Singapore. But with a move to the same team now confirmed less than two weeks later, the 22-year-old now admits he did indeed have initial talks with McLaren before then, but that he had simply decided not to discuss his future in the media. "There has been some talks before but I didn't want to give too much information about my opportunities, my options," he said. "So the question doesn't come that often because if I said at that time 'yes' it would be full of questions. "I wanted to keep it low profile, always concentrating in my team and giving 100% to my team. I'm very thankful they've given me this opportunity and we have six races with a strong car to go. I want to leave on a high with this team." Having been signed by McLaren to replace a World Champion and 20-time race winner, Perez is under no illusions about the challenge ahead for him - but says it is one he relishes. "Of course I rate Lewis as one of the fastest drivers in the grid so it will be not easy at all," the Mexican reflected. "I have very big shoes to fill so it will be difficult but I will do everything I can. "I will work as hard as possible to give the best results and win championships with this great team." Perez added that he was looking forward to working alongside Button, who is 10 years his senior. "It will be great to have a very good Champion [as team-mate] - he's a World Champion - and it will be a pleasure to work with him together to reach the same targets for the team, which is winning," Perez admitted.