Adrian Sutil could very well return to the Formula One grid next season after Force India team principal Vijay Mallya confirmed he was evaluating the German.
The team has an open seat for 2013 following the news that Nico Hulkenberg will head to Sauber next year to replace the McLaren bound Sergio Perez.
Sutil, who previously drove for the team between 2006 – when it was known as Midland F1 and then Spyker MF1 – to 2011, before being dropped in favour of Hulkenberg.
Mallya has yet to confirm either of its drivers, but it’s highly likely that they will retain Paul di Resta. The second seat however remains open with names such as Jules Bianchi and Jaime Alguersuari doing the rounds.
The Indian businessman seems keen on Sutil though after admitting there isn’t enough young talent in the pipeline to join the outfit.
“We are in no immediate hurry [to announce our drivers] because there does not seem to be the kind of quality we need to replace Nico, either in the current grid or in GP2,” he said. “We have to think a little bit beyond that, which we are doing now.”
Mallya then went on to compliment the 29-year-old former driver.
“We need a driver who is clearly talented, a driver who is clearly quick,” he continued. “What we have found amongst our team drivers is that if they push one another it brings out the best in both of them, so it is very important for us to have somebody who is able to push Paul.
“I am looking at options such as even bringing Adrian Sutil back. Adrian was always a very quick driver – yes, he was out of Formula One for one year, but I don’t think that this would be a major handicap.
“So yes, I am looking and evaluating very carefully. The driver is very important for the team as a whole and we want to make the right call.”
