A report indicates that Sutil secures F1 return with Force India

February 27th (GMM).- Adrian Sutil's manager has denied reports on Wednesday that the 30-year-old has definitely secured his return to formula one. Besides, Force India has yet to announce who the second driver for 2014 is. 

The German magazine Sport Bild said Sutil, the long-time Force India driver who sat out 2012 in the wake of the Eric Lux assault affair, has beaten hot contender Jules Bianchi to become Paul di Resta's new teammate.

If confirmed, the news would indicate that the Silverstone based team is staying with its existing engine supplier Mercedes for 2014, given Frenchman Bianchi's close ties to Ferrari. Still part of the speculation game, but it does relate the possibility of this to happen. 

"Sutil was in the McLaren simulator yesterday," read the Sport Bild report. "As of Thursday, he will be in action for the last pre-season test in Barcelona.

"On 17 March in Australia, he will race a grand prix for the first time since Brazil 2011," added the report by Bianca Garloff and Ralf Bach.

Sutil's manager Manfred Zimmermann denied the report.

"Nothing has been finalised yet," he is quoted by the German news agency SID.

"We are still hoping and waiting for a confirmation."

Adrian Sutil has fought hard to make back to the Formula 1 since being "outsted" in 2011 because of his legal issues.  He raced for Force India for four years, and two more could be added to that tally if we count the Spyker years (It was bought by Force India). 

Vijay Mallya and the team's board are probably very busy trying to sort this out. Jules Bianchi has shown that he is full of promise and did very well in all the opportunities he has had during the pre-season testing. Besides, the Frenchman comes with Ferrari's support. 

On the other hand the German brings experience and good driving, plus financial back up, although not like the type brough by the so called pay drivers. In his case, a solid Formula 1 resume increases his chances.