Hulkenberg one of the best in the world - Mallya

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Force India team principal Vijay Mallya says Nico Hulkenberg has developed in to one of the best drivers in the world.

Hulkenberg has signed a new two-year contract at Force India which will keep him with the team until the end of 2017. With the German having driven for Force India across two spells so far, Mallya says he has seen the improvements which make the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winner one of the best on the grid.

“I make no secret of being one of Nico’s biggest fans and so it’s fantastic to confirm him as our driver for the next couple of seasons," Mallya said. "He has spent almost four years with us already and in that time we’ve seen him develop into one of the best racing drivers in the world.

"Nico has the speed, the technical knowledge and the maturity to help us achieve some great results in the years ahead. We will do everything we can to continue delivering a car to match his talent.”

Hulkenberg had been linked with moves to Ferrari and Haas for 2016, but will now take his second stay at Force India in to a third year. He boasts a best finish with the team of fourth in the 2012 Belgian Grand Prix, and last year finished ninth in the drivers' championship after scoring points in all but four races.

Hulkenberg stays with Force India until 2017

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