Sergio Perez is adamant he is ready to join a top team in Formula One.
Sauber driver Perez has again found himself in the headlines over the past few days since finishing a stunning second in the Italian Grand Prix.
Initially, Ferrari president Luca Di Montezemolo reiterated a claim he made earlier in the year that Perez lacks the necessary experience to drive for Ferrari.
That is despite the fact the Mexican has finished on the podium three times this season, and for some time has been a member of Ferrari's young driver academy.
Given the dismissal by Di Montezemolo, and with McLaren potentially casting their net should Lewis Hamilton move to Mercedes, Perez has now been linked with a move to the Woking-based marque.
The 21-year-old, though, insists he has had no contact with any big name of late, and that talk of joining McLaren is all conjecture.
"Because I'm fighting for points and when I have a good result, it is always the time when the rumours start," said Perez.
"But then you have another race and there are no more rumours and they are chasing the driver who has had a good race.
"Regarding the McLaren rumour, there are so many rumours around.
"Before it was Ferrari, now it's McLaren. Always, when I have a good race, they (the media) put me in a different team.
"The most important thing is to keep doing a good job and to try to maximise the car potential for the next races.
"So in that respect I'm not really worried what is happening. I know I have a very strong car for the next seven races, so I hope I can deliver very strong performances."
While Perez conceded he fully respects Di Montezemolo's opinion, it did still appear to rankle with him given he now has 30 races under his belt.
"He probably means to become a Ferrari driver you probably need more... I don't know, because it's only my second year in Formula One," said Perez.
"I feel ready to do a good job, to be in a top team, to be able to fight for the title, for the championship."
Perez has also admitted that despite his links to Ferrari it would not prove an obstacle should McLaren make a move for his services.
"I have a nice connection to Ferrari through the academy, but I am just part of the academy, not part of the Ferrari team," said Perez.
"So it has no effect, but there's still a long way to go in the season and I'm fully focused on the next races."
