We all knew it was coming: Force India has confirmed it will field Paul di Resta and Nico Hülkenberg in its driver line-up next year, meaning that Adrian Sutil is now job-hunting to remain on next year’s grid with another team. The team has not named a reserve driver.
Despite Sutil’s impressive 2011 season (where he claimed 42 of the team’s 69 championship points) would no doubt have created a quandary for the Silverstone-based team, but ultimately it is believed that Hülkenberg had a deal to promote him to a full-time role after a year on the reserve’s bench.
“I’m obviously delighted to be staying with Sahara Force India and to be given the chance to race next year,” the German said.
“It wasn’t easy to watch from the sidelines this season, but I did my best to help the team and show what I was capable of.”
Di Resta’s place was seemingly assured after his impressive rookie season in the sport, no doubt help by his close relationship with Force India’s engine supplier, Mercedes.
“I’m really looking forward to my second season of Formula One,” the Scot said.
“I’ve said all along that I love being part of this team: they are ambitious, hungry for success and we work well together. I’m really excited about 2012 and there is a real sense of belief that we can continue to push the top teams and take another step forward.”
[Images via Force India Media, LAT and Sutton Images]
Richard Bailey
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