Sutil returns with Force India

Adrian Sutil is back in Formula One after securing Force India’s second race seat for this year’s Championship…

Adrian Sutil is back in Formula One after securing Force India’s second race seat for this year’s Championship.

Having been dropped by Force India at the end of 2011 in light of his legal woes, Sutil made a comeback at last week’s Barcelona test when he put the new VJM06 through its paces.

The German impressed and on Thursday was confirmed as Paul di Resta’s 2013 team-mate.

“I’m delighted to be back in Formula One, especially with a team I know so well. I’m very happy and I want to thank Sahara Force India for giving me a second chance,” said Sutil.

“Having been away from the sport, I’m even more determined to achieve my goals in Formula One. Things went really well at the Barcelona test last week and it almost feels as though I’ve never been away.

“Driving the car felt so natural and I was able to get back in the groove quickly and find the limit. Now my focus is on making the most of the final test session this week, working with the team in the simulator and getting myself in the best possible shape for Melbourne.”

Sutil beat test driver Jules Bianchi to the final seat on the 2013 grid with team owner Vijay Mallya admitting it was not an “easy” decision.

“It was a close call, but ultimately we felt that Adrian’s experience and historic links to the team gave him the edge, and will provide us with the best possible chance of realising our ambitions for the coming season. If he can rediscover the exceptional form he showed in the second half of 2011, I’m confident that we can pick up where we left off at the end of 2012.

“As for Jules Bianchi, he has impressed us enormously with his speed and work ethic, and I’m hopeful we can continue working with him this year to help him develop into a future Grand Prix driver.