Force India will announce their line-up very soon…

The Force India team will announce its driver lineup for the 2008 season at the end of December, according to co-owner Vijay Mallya.

The German Adrian Sutil has already been confirmed with the Indian team for next year, but the second race seat is still up for grabs. During the tests in Barcelona and Jerez, Force India evaluated several drivers but only one will be selected!

Giancarlo Fisichella, Christian Klien, Roldan Rodriguez, and Vitantonio Liuzzi are serious candidates for the position to be filled.

Speaking during an interview on the official F1 site, Mallya said that he is examining all options and will then make a decision before the end of the year.

« At the end of December, » Mallya said when asked when he will announce the team’s driver lineup.

« I really want to give myself time to reflect on the appointment of the second race driver.

« This is a very important decision for me and my team. I will evaluate all the facts and then make my decision. »

The Indian admits that the choice will not be easy because he was impressed by all the drivers who participated in the trials for the team.

« It will be a very difficult decision that I will have to make. They are all very good, they can all bring something positive to the team, » he said.

« We have Sutil, on one hand, I need, on the other hand, the driver of the other car to be able to raise the level. This is with the aim of regularly raising the performance level and helping the engineering team. »

« In the past, the team was looking for money, so the choice of drivers was based on this constraint. Now, things have changed. For me, the primary factors are performance and the ability to provide feedback to the engineers, » stated Mallya.

Mallya also added that he wants to see his team fight for a podium spot at the first Indian Grand Prix in 2010.

« F1 is an extremely competitive game. It represents the highest level of technology. Developing an aerodynamic car is easier said than done, and we are not the only ones working on improving car performance. »

« The calendar? I set a very clear objective: Force India must be on the podium for the first Indian Grand Prix in 2010, » he concluded.