Force India F1 boss Vijay Mallya has earmarked
Adrian Sutil for a long-term involvement with the team, despite a frustrating start to the 2008
Formula One season that threatens to derail the German's reputation.
Although he came into the top flight somewhat raggedly, Sutil impressed many with his speed in the Spyker, leading to suggestions that he could be poached by a bigger operation for 2008.
Williams and
McLaren were among those mentioned before Mallya - who bought the ailing Dutch-owned squad and transformed it into Force India - held Sutil to his contract and paired him with veteran
Giancarlo Fisichella.
In the four races to date, however, it is the Italian who has made the most of the opportunity to run the VJM01, while Sutil has posted three retirements and a lowly 19th place finish. Mallya, though, remains committed to his line-up and, despite the obvious view that he intends to bring on talent from his homeland, hopes that Sutil will benefit from being paired with Fisichella this year.
"Adrian hasn't had too much luck, which is unfortunate, but I am sure that his luck will turn, as luck does," the Indian commented, "He's got a lot of talent, he's quick, and I think he can do a good job for us. What we have to remember is that Giancarlo is approaching his 200th grand prix, [while] Adrian has competed in just over 20 - that's a tenth of the number of his team-mate.
"We cannot reasonably expect him to know everything Giancarlo does, but the benefit of having Giancarlo there is that Adrian can learn and, in turn, grow and develop into a very valuable asset in the future. I cannot underestimate, in any way, the benefits that Giancarlo has brought to the team. That's exactly what we were lacking, that's exactly what we've got now, and it's absolutely brilliant."
As for the persistent rumours that he may hire an Indian pilot in the near future, Mallya continues to insist that that idea may not have a swift resolution.
