Sergio Perez retains Force India seat for 2016 season

Johannesburg, Sept.24 (ANI): Mexican driver Sergio Perez will again race for the Formula One team Sahara Force India in 2016 World Championship along with Nico Hulkenberg.

Hulkenberg’s contract extension was announced at the beginning of the month with Perez saying his deal, which is for one year with an option to extend, took a little longer because his sponsors wanted to agree their terms with the team first. “Since coming here I’ve really grown as a driver and I feel I’m performing at my best.” said Perez. “It means I can simply focus on the important stuff – driving the auto and scoring points for the team”, the 25-year-old said in a team statement on Thursday.

The announcement comes despite speculation linking Perez a move to Renault to lead its proposed return to F1 next year, even if the man himself had always maintained he was close to extending his stay at Force India.

“It was obviously a serious option but for me, I always made my mind clear, knowing the prospects of the team, knowing what we are doing behind the scenes”.

“He’s done a fantastic job for us”.

Force India’s team principal Vijay Mallya paid tribute to Perez’s contribution to the team over the past two seasons. You only have to look at his results in the last three races to see that he is performing at the top of his game.

“He’s also got a great attitude and never gives up ” it ” s that fighting spirit which fits well with this team”. “The medium-speed corners that make up most of the circuit will provide a good test for the VJM08 and will give us another indication about the effectiveness of the upgrades we brought to Singapore”.

Sergio Perez, who has finished fifth, sixth and seventh at the last three races, thinks the team’s recent form is proof of how strong the VJM08 B-Spec can be at any circuit.