Sutil ’happy and grateful’ for Force India chance

Adrian Sutil is "very, very happy" Force India is giving him a chance to shine by his former team Force India at Barcelona this week.

"He’s very, very happy this is taking place," the German’s manager Manfred Zimmermann is quoted by DPA news agency.

Sutil, now 30, spent his entire five-year F1 career with the Silverstone based team until 2011, when he lost his seat at the end of the season in the wake of the Eric Lux assault affair.

He is now a contender to return to the grid this year, with Force India confirming he will test alongside rival Jules Bianchi as the second pre-season test takes place this week.

The team said Sutil will drive on day three (Thursday) in Barcelona, before handing over to the Ferrari-linked Frenchman Bianchi.

"No, it’s not a shoot-out," a Force India spokesman told Reuters.

Sutil told Bild newspaper: "I am happy and grateful that Force India is giving me this chance."

Spain’s Marca sports newspaper said Sutil’s backers are offering the team EUR 8 million in sponsorship.