Force India have ended months of speculation by confirming that Nico Hulkenberg will replace Adrian Sutil and partner Paul di Resta for the 2012 Formula One season.
Hulkenberg, who previously raced in F1 with Williams, served as the Silverstone-based team's test/reserve driver during 2011.
It had been rumoured for some time that he would replace Sutil, who has been with Force India for the past four year, and on Friday the team finally confirmed that was the case.
Team owner Dr Vijay Mallya said: "We identified him [Hulkenberg] as a rising star at the end of 2010 and chose to evaluate him during the course of this season.
"Despite having only limited time in the car, he convinced us that he deserved a race seat for 2012.
"Our new line-up means we say ‘goodbye’ to Adrian Sutil, who has been with the team since we entered the sport.
"He has been an integral part of our success over the past four seasons and we wish him well for the future."
Hulkenberg is now keen to make his mark on the sport after being axed by Williams at the end of 2010 despite impressing many observers in his first season.
"I’m obviously delighted to be staying with Sahara Force India and to be given the chance to race next year," he said.
"It wasn’t easy to watch from the sidelines this season, but I did my best to help the team and show what I was capable of.
"I’m extremely motivated for 2012 and would like to thank everyone for believing in me and giving me this chance.
"I’m keen to get down to work over the winter to develop our new car and help the team build on this year’s achievements. The first test in Jerez can’t come soon enough."
British rising star di Resta enjoyed a fine rookie year in 2011, claiming eight points finishes including a best result of sixth in Singapore.
He said: "I’ve said all along that I love being part of this team: they are ambitious, hungry for success and we work well together.
"I’m really excited about 2012 and there is a real sense of belief that we can continue to push the top teams and take another step forward.
"I’d also like to thank the team for all their hard work this year and for all the support they’ve given me.
"I’ll take some time out over the next few weeks to recharge my batteries and hopefully come back even stronger in 2012."
