Force India duo still unsure of future

 

Ian Parkes
Friday 11 November 2011 09:02 EST
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Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil head into this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix still sweating on their futures as a promised answer from Force India owner Vijay Mallya has yet to materialise.

With pressure growing on Mallya to make an announcement, the Indian entrepreneur confirmed at the inaugural race on home soil two weeks ago he would respect the desire for an earlier indication as to the 2012 line-up.

Mallya, however, has so far stayed silent on the matter, although the smart money is on Di Resta retaining his seat after a highly-respectable rookie year and being joined by reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg, with Sutil forced to look elsewhere.

Di Resta is aware Mallya cannot be hurried too much as he said: "I have always said you want to know as quick as you can.

"But you have to respect Mr Mallya's decision, and he has said he is going to change.

"At the moment I have a contract for the year so I am focused on the remaining two races, which I should be, and the future will hopefully take care of itself."

Sutil, who firmly believes a decision will be made before the last race in Brazil on November 27, insisted there was no disappointment the matter had yet to be resolved.

The German, who has been with the team - through its various guises - for six seasons, presented a cool, calm front when grilled on his future, suggesting he had other irons in the fire.

"Who says I am just waiting for Force India?" said Sutil.

"Let's just say I can also survive in a different way. After so many years doing a good job for this team, I don't have to shiver and think about my future or something.

"I am relaxed. I like this team, but if it doesn't work out then I'll find something else."

Sutil, who has been linked with Renault and Williams, would not be too disheartened if he had to change teams.

"I just don't feel in a position where I should be nervous," added Sutil.

"If I am doing a bad job then I would probably be nervous, but I do the best I can, I am scoring points and I feel good. I can't change the situation.

"But I am open for a change, although I want to be sure it is the right way to go. I don't want to change a team if I don't want to.

"But I think in a driver's career, to be with a different team is necessary."

PA

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