Narain Karthikeyan, Jules Bianchi, or Adrian Sutil for Force India F1 2013

Update: Sahara Force India has announced Adrian Sutil to complete the team’s driver line-up for the 2013 season. The 30-year-old German racer will drive alongside Paul Di Resta, taking us back to the 2011 season. This is Sutil’s 5th racing season with Sahara Force India and sixth Formula One season. This week’s pre season tests at Barcelona will see Adrian drive on Friday and Saturday, and Paul Di Resta drive on Sunday. Narain Karthikeyan could be roped in by Force India for the current F1 racing season. Narain has previously played the role of reserve driver for the team in 2012 and with his financial backing being extended by Tata; he is now looking to land the position for second driver on the team. The place for a second driver was left vacant after Nico Hulkenberg left to join Sauber at the end of last season.

Jules Bianchi who was the test and reserve driver for Force India in 2012 has also been considered for this position. Former Force India drive Adrian Stutil too has been mentioned often in the past few days. Bruno Senna and Luiz Razia who were earlier thought to be considered to join the Force India ranks but will not be contending for the second driver spot. Bruno Senna will be seen racing for Aston martin in the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours, whereas, Razia will join British driver Max Chilton completing ranks for Marussia.

At Jerez pre season testing last week, team Force India saw Paul di Resta, Jules Bianchi, and James Rossiter take to the wheels. Day 1 saw Paul complete 89 laps ending on P4 of 11 with a best lap of 1:20.343. The Sahara Force India F1 VJM06 car was next handed over to simulator driver James, which meant his time in the car was of great help in comparing VJM06 with the simulator. On day 3, Jules Bianchi took P2 after 56 laps. Narain Karthikeyan and Adrian Sutil have not tested the Force One 2013 F1 car.