F1: Sutil completes 2013 line-up at Force India

[Nik Hughes]

Adrian Sutil was officially announced today as team-mate to Paul Di Resta at Force India, filling the final remaining place on the grid for the 2013 season.

The 30-year-old German returns for his fifth season racing for the UK-based team, and his sixth overall in Formula One. He will reform his partnership with Di Resta from 2011, after losing his seat last season to Nico Hulkenberg, following a season affected by an off-track incident resulting in an 18 month suspended prison sentence.

Sutil was preferred over the young Frenchman Jules Bianchi, who remains at the team as a test driver. In the press conference announcing Sutil's appointment, team owner Vijay Mallya explained the decision was based on the preference for the experience that Sutil brings, with the hopes that the German will find the form that saw him finish the 2011 season strongly, finishing 9th in the overall standings.

With the final pre-season test in Barcelona under-way today, Sutil will get his first taste of action in the VJM06 car on Friday and Saturday. Di Resta – who has so far shared test time with test drivers Bianchi and James Rossiter will drive today, and on the final day of pre-season testing on Sunday.

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[Bram Hengeveld]

I am very glad that Sutil is back for a second chance. Probably learned a lot from his mistakes and the forced year out of F1 competition.

Talent over reputation

 

[Dino Paolini]

yes! one of my favourites back in the car
I hope the FI has the potential for a podium in 2013

 

[Scott Webber]

im actually glad he's back, he's a good driver

 

[Kevin McDonald]

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the battle between him and Di Resta, I think it will be close with Di Resta coming out on top

 

[prunn]

Good news: Karthykeyan won't have that seat
Bad new: sending Bianchi to a slower team, clogging the system again