Force India confirm Mexican driver Perez for 2016

Formula 1 team Force India on Thursday confirmed their Mexican driver Sergio Perez for the 2016 season, just ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 25-year-old joined the team in 2014 and will continue to partner German teammate Nico Hulkenberg, who also extended his contract for another two years on the first day of this month.

"I am very happy to confirm that I will be staying with Force India. It means I can simply focus on the important stuff - driving the car and scoring points for the team. Since coming here I've really grown as a driver and I feel I'm performing at my best," said Perez.

"I've always said I want to establish myself in a team and it's the right moment to announce my commitment for the future with Force India. I can feel the potential in the team and there is a good energy which gives me confidence for next year. We can continue to deliver strong results and I will do my best to help drive the team forward."

Perez has been in impressive form of late, finishing fifth, sixth and seventh in the last three races. His performance has also helped him jump his teammate in the drivers' standings.

"I'm very happy Sergio has committed his future to Force India. He's done a fantastic job for us already and when we give him a competitive car we know he can get the job done. He's also got a great attitude and never gives up - it's that fighting spirit which fits well with this team," team principal Vijay Mallya said.

"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. It's an exciting time for Sergio, especially with the upcoming race in Mexico next month, and with our close connections to the country, I'm sure it will be a highlight for everybody in the team."

The Mexican is ninth in the drivers' championship with 39 points.