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’Hard to say’ if di Resta faster - Sutil

"He has already been fast, very consistent and made few mistakes"

By GMM

4 July 2011 - 09:50

Adrian Sutil insists he is planning to still be on the grid next year but admits NASCAR might be an option for the future.

The 28-year-old German, who has been with F1’s Silverstone based team since 2007, has had a difficult season; defending assault charges and struggling to keep up with his impressive rookie teammate Paul di Resta.

"I’m planning to be in formula one for a few more years and see myself here in 2012," Sutil told Auto Motor und Sport.

"If I did change, perhaps it would be to America. I find NASCAR very appealing."

He was asked whether, if di Resta has so troubled him at the start of the Scot’s career, the gap is only set to increase by the end of the season.

"We’ll see," answered Sutil. "Whether di Resta is faster or not is still hard to say. He has already been fast, very consistent and made few mistakes.

"It was like Lewis (Hamilton) when he was right there in his first season. The preparation of young drivers with the simulators now is extremely good and the cars are also relatively easy to drive.

"I always look forward," said Sutil when asked if he expects Force India can move towards the front of the field in the near future.

"I want to improve myself and so does the team, but it’s difficult for us to come all of the way forwards. The next step is particularly difficult," he explained.

"We are fighting against all the big teams while we are still a small team. The short term goal is to become the best midfielder and to attack one or two of the elite teams.

"We are not far away from Renault and Mercedes. For my own future, of course I still want to be with one of the big teams one day and fight for the championship."