With many rumors swirling around the driver market, Force India is hoping to keep its current lineup of Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg next year.
Much of the driver market has been silent since Ferrari confirmed it will keep Kimi Raikkonen one more season, but the newly formed Haas F1 outfit is looking for experience to put in the cockpit as it begins its first season in 2016. Hulkenberg has been rumored to be on the team’s list of candidates, but Perez fits the bill just the same.
Team boss Vijay Mallya continues to be open about wanting to retain the pair beyond this season.
“I have always said that I am delighted with both of them and I want to keep both of them,” Mallya told the official Formula One website.
The addition of the new B-spec car has Mallya targeting to be one of the top four teams next season. Since its introduction in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone earlier this year, the B-spec has shown flashes of being a car that can become a contender with enough development.
“I have set my targets for the team, and we are doing very well in achieving them,” added Mallya. “I will not get carried away saying that we will achieve P4 this season, but there is no reason why we should not target that in 2016.
“2016 is carry over from this season and when the B-spec delivers what we believe it has the potential to, then why not? 2017 is a whole different ballgame. My guess is that the cars will have to be ‘re-invented’ again – and we will start early to stay ahead of the game.”
