Sutil could replace Hulkenberg in 2013 - Mallya

Vijay Mallya on Monday suggested former Force India driver Adrian Sutil is a possible contender to replace Nico Hulkenberg in 2013.

But Mallya, the Silverstone based team’s co-owner and boss, said he is not certain German Hulkenberg is switching to Sauber.

"I hear from the media that Nico has signed with Sauber," he is quoted by the Indian Express.

"He hasn’t sat down with me and told me that," added Mallya.

But if Hulkenberg does go, Mallya is confident he will not be difficult to replace.

"Yes absolutely, why not? Never forget I always have the potential of considering Sutil again. Sutil is always quick. So there are many options," he said.

Sutil was a long-time Force India driver until last season, when he was embroiled in the Chinese nightclub assault saga and thereafter lost his seat.