German racing driver Adrian Sutil insists he will not be losing sleep over his Formula One fate as Force India decide whether to offer the championship's final available drive to him or French rookie Jules Bianchi.
This has been like suspense for everyone right from every Indian racing fan from one end and Sutil at the other.
The 30-year-old Sutil was replaced by another driver Nico Hulkenberg after the 2011 season, but is back in contention with his fellow German now at Sauber and with Force India still having only confirmed Paul di Resta for the 2013 season which starts on March 17.
It now seems to be an interesting tug of war between both the drivers as Force India has not made up its mind as of now. Irrespective of the players’ chances of making it to the final, there will be a surprising decision on the cards for sure.
"This team knows me well because I spent six years with them," said Sutil, after clocking the eighth-fastest time in testing on Thursday. That moment brought ample cheers upon his face.
"I wanted to show them that I am still quick and that was very important. I can sleep peacefully. I have done all I can to get back into F1. I don't know who is the favourite for the drive, it's up to the Force India shareholders to decide."
Sutil maintained that just immense levels of prowess on the track will not be the only criteria when Force India make their decision with a driver's ability to bring sponsorship to the team deemed equally crucial.
"It has to be something else otherwise they would have confirmed a driver in plenty of time for the first test (in Jerez earlier in February)," he said.
"There is some business behind it. It can't take long anymore as in three weeks there is a race."
Previously, Force India deputy team principal, Bob Fernley, explained that both Sutil and Bianchi, who will drive on Friday, will be given equal chance to show their mettle.
"We're giving everyone the amount of mileage they need. We'll try and get all the information we've been collecting to the shareholders this weekend and then it's their decision," said Fernley.
"We want to make sure it's an even playing field for everybody and that, more importantly, they (Sutil and Bianchi) have the opportunity to get used to the car.
"Obviously one of them will come through and we don't want to disadvantage them in any way."
Di Resta mentions his lone wish is that his team prefers a driver capable of moving the team forward.
"I know both very well. They're both good people and they've both been part of the team for a long time," mentioned the Scot. "It's all up to the board members, the key people in the team. They make the decision as to who they want to partner me.
"I'm very supportive of whoever it might be as long as they're pushing me on and they're a team player; that's the important part."
