Sergio Perez expects new Force India deal to be announced soon

03 September 2015 11:31

Sergio Perez says he will be at Force India next season and expects a deal to be announced in the imminent future.

The former McLaren driver has been linked with a move to Lotus, who are the subject of a takeover bid by Renault.

But Perez, 25, has denied holding talks with any other team and is confident he will line up alongside Nico Hulkenberg, who signed a new contract earlier this week, in 2016.

"It is good news for the team and he is a great driver," said Perez on Hulkenberg's deal which will see the German stay at Force India for two further seasons.

"I have a contract with the team and as you know I have a group of sponsors that are trying to make the announcement altogether. I have a contract here."

Asked when he expects his future to be resolved, Perez replied: "I think quite soon. We are getting to the point where very soon things should be announced so I expect my plans to be announced hopefully before the next race.

"My priority is to stay here. The team is going upwards and is really pushing, and I know the plans of the team so I am really happy to stay here."

The Formula One community has gathered in Monza for the Italian Grand Prix less than a fortnight after British driver Justin Wilson was killed in an IndyCar race.

Wilson, who competed in 16 grands prix, was struck on the head by flying debris from another car at the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania. He succumbed to his injuries a little over 24 hours later.

Wilson's death has raised calls for closed or protected cockpits in single-seater racing. And Perez insists it is a concept which must be considered.

"It is something we should think about if it doesn't change too much the open-wheel racing," Perez said.

"When you see the accident it is like if an aeroplane crashes into you - it is such bad luck, bad momentum and it is very sad, but if we can save more lives and learn from that accident it will be good."

Source: PA