Sutil could drive with Force India during the Barcelona tests
More than ever in the running to replace Nico Hülkenberg at Force India, where he would be competing with Jules Bianchi and Narain Karthikeyan, Adrian Sutil has molded his seat at the Silverstone factory and could participate in the upcoming private tests, which will begin on February 19 at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Less than a week before the start of the second private testing session, taking place this time in Barcelona, the identity of the person who will support Paul di Resta at Force India in 2013 remains a complete mystery.
Although Jules Bianchi participated in the Jerez tests, making him the favorite, the appointment of the Frenchman still seems far from certain. Indeed, while the Deccan Chronicle indicates that Narain Karthikeyan is in negotiations with Force India, thanks to Tata’s financial support, in Adrian Sutil’s camp, who has long been considered the favorite, hope was still rigorous: “We are convinced that it will work out but unfortunately we have to be patient and keep our fingers crossed,” recently stated Manfred Zimmermann, the German driver’s manager.
The former Force India driver – from 2008 to 2011 – has even more reason to hope that he could participate in the upcoming Barcelona tests which will begin at the Circuit de Catalunya on February 19: « Adrian has molded his seat with the team this week, » a spokesperson told Autosport. « At the moment, the Barcelona test program is not finalized, but there is a possibility that Adrian will be involved. The program will be communicated on Monday, next week. »
While Bob Fernley, deputy director of the team, had indicated that a decision regarding the second and third drivers for the Indian team would be made after the Jerez tests, it seems that the deadline has once again been postponed and that, contrary to what he stated last January, the private tests will indeed serve as an evaluation for potential candidates for a permanent position.
