”I’m very happy and I want to thank Force India for giving me a second chance.
”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.”
Explaining his reasoning behind re-hiring Sutil, Mallya said: ”The decision
over our driver line-up has not been an easy one and we have given it great
consideration over the last few months.
”It was a close call, but ultimately we felt 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 we can pick up where we left off at the end of 2012.”
However, the team’s reserve role remains up in the air, with question marks
now lingering over a snubbed Bianchi.
Mallya added: ”As for Jules, 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.”