Perez close to securing future, has two options

Image
Press Trust of India Singapore
Last Updated : Sep 14 2017 | 6:22 PM IST
Force India driver Sergio Perez says he is close to signing a deal for the 2018 Formula One season and has two options to choose from.
Perez, in his fourth season for Force India, could either stay where he is or can be a replacement for Felipe Massa, who came out of retirement to race this season. The Mexican has scored four out of the five podiums in Force India's history.
"I have two options to be quite frank but I don't want to comment too much on those. I am really close to signing the contract. But as I said, until it is not signed, it is pure speculation," said Perez, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend.
Perez had secured another year with Force India at the Malaysian Grand Prix last year. This time, it will be done before that, he said.
"That was the case last year. I think it will be earlier than that."
The midfield team has enjoyed unprecedented success in the past 24 months. It finished fourth for the first time ever in 2016 and is currently sitting comfortably in the same position.
"Even in the position that I am in, a team that is fourth two years consecutive, I think next year it is going to be a massive challenge to keep that. Looking at the opportunities that are around, there is not really a seat in a top team or to move up the grid.
"So, it is difficult to figure out what to do, given that the driver market is not moving too much at the moment. But I think Force India is a team that is definitely capable of giving you a car to show your talent and that is very important. Let's see what happens but, I definitely feel that it is a great place for me," he said.
The top three teams - Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, have already announced their line-up for the next season.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 14 2017 | 6:22 PM IST

Next Story