Formula One team confirms driver

Former Williams driver Nico Hulkenberg believes his future in Formula One is bright with the Force India team. Picture / AP

Hulkenberg set to continue with Force India in 2015 season

Nico Hulkenberg has been retained by Force India for the 2015 Formula One season.

Hailed as a "true racer" and a motivator by team principal Vijay Mallya, Hulkenberg has enjoyed his strongest season to date this campaign since returning to the Silverstone-based marque.

The 27-year-old German said: "It's good to confirm my plans for next season. This is a team I know extremely well and we've enjoyed a great year together with some special results."

Hulkenberg has finished in the points in 13 of the 16 grands prix to date, with four fifth-place finishes to his credit, comfortably outscoring teammate Sergio Perez.

For now there is no word on whether the team will also retain Perez, even though the Mexican has consistently stated in numerous weeks his desire to remain.

For Hulkenberg, next term will be his fifth competitive campaign in F1 since making his debut with Williams in 2010.

After being dropped by the Grove-based team, Hulkenberg was signed by Force India as test driver for 2011 prior to being promoted to a race seat for 2012.

Surprisingly, Hulkenberg then switched to Sauber for 2013, only to return to Force India for the current season.

Believing the future is bright with Force India, Hulkenberg added:

"The team has big ambitions and I believe we can have a competitive package again next year.

"We have a strong partner in Mercedes and everyone in the team is motivated and hungry for more success. I have a good feeling for 2015, and there is a lot to be excited about as we try to build on the results we have achieved this year," he said.

Mallya has confirmed that holding on to Hulkenberg on this occasion was an easy decision.

"Everybody in the team is delighted to see Nico remain a Force India driver for next season," he said.

-Independent