Sutil returning to F1 with Force India
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| Adrian Sutil |
(GMM) Adrian Sutil has admitted he could complete Force India's 2013 driver lineup.
The former team driver, who sat out 2012 in the wake of his assault conviction, told German television Sat 1: "I certainly hope so.
"It's not yet certain, but I have a good chance.
"I know this business very well, and so you can only be certain when you have something signed.
"I still have to be patient, but I certainly hope that it turns out in my favor.
"It would be nice because I know the team well."
Sutil, now 29, made his debut for the Silverstone based team in 2007, when it was known as Spyker. He stayed through the transition to Midland and finally Force India.
The German admitted he is pinning his 2013 hopes on Force India, who have a vacancy alongside Paul di Resta after Nico Hulkenberg's move to Sauber.
"If it doesn't happen, I will have to think about something else, but I haven't really started that process yet," said Sutil.
11/24/12 (GMM) Adrian Sutil is on his way back to formula one and Force India, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.
However, the Silverstone based team's sporting boss Otmar Szafnauer denied the deal is done: "We have not signed a contract with any driver," he insisted.
Team owner and boss Vijay Mallya, however, has mentioned German Sutil's name several times in recent weeks, as the team looks to replace the Sauber-bound Nico Hulkenberg.
"I think in the next two weeks we can announce something," Szafnauer said.
Long-time Force India driver Sutil, 29, was left without a seat for 2012 in the wake of his criminal conviction for assault.
His return to F1 would be bad news for Bruno Senna, Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastien Buemi, Jules Bianchi and several others who were hoping to secure the Force India seat.
But Auto Motor und Sport said there could still be a hiccup with the Sutil deal, if his criminal conviction causes him problems entering China, the US and Canada next year.