Adrian Sutil has been given a second chance in F1, being the final driver signed to a spot on the 2013 Formula 1 grid.

After a tumultuous end to his first stint when he was handed an 18-month suspended sentence for a violent incident with Lotus F1 owner Eric Lux, Sutil says he is determined to put the past behind him and make the most of the new opportunity with his old team.

“I’m delighted to be back in Formula One, especially with a team I know so well,” Sutil said. “I’m very happy and I want to thank Sahara Force India for giving me a second chance. Having been away from the sport, I’m even more determined to achieve my goals in Formula One. Things went really well at the Barcelona test last week and it almost feels as though I’ve never been away.”

The 30-year-old German driver began his career in F1 in 2007 with the Spyker team, moving to Force India in 2008. His performances impressed the onlookers and the team alike, where he claimed one fastest lap in 2009 as well as some of the team’s first points. In 2010 he finished 11th in the standings with 47 points and jumped to ninth in 2011 with 42.

Speaking on his decision to sign the hard-nosed racer, Team Principal Vijay Mallya said, “We felt that Adrian’s experience and historic links to the team gave him the edge, and will provide us with the best possible chance of realizing our ambitions for the coming season. If he can rediscover the exceptional form he showed in the second half of 2011, I’m confident that we can pick up where we left off at the end of 2012.”

Sutil will be paired alongside Paul di Resta, who placed a season-high fourth last year and 14th in the standings.

Photo: Ramesh Bayney