Perez replaces Di Resta at Force India

Formula One team Force India has signed Mexican driver Sergio Perez to replace Paul di Resta.

The 23-year-old Perez was released by McLaren after the first of a multi-year deal but quickly found a new seat with the Indian team.

Perez will be looking to rebuild his Formula One career at a team he claims was his ‘first choice’ destination after leaving McLaren.

“It’s great to announce my new team as Sahara Force India,” Perez said.

“Coming here was always my first choice and I’m really happy everything has now been confirmed.

“This is a young team with a lot of determination and they’ve produced competitive cars for the last few years.

“It’s all change for next season with the new regulations, but I already have a good feeling about 2014.

Indefinite period

Force India did not provide financial terms of the deal or the contract length, saying only Perez had signed for “2014 and beyond.”

Perez will partner German driver Nico Hulkenberg after taking over Di Resta’s spot on the grid.

Hulkenberg had replaced Adrian Sutil.

Team principal Vijay Mallya said he was excited by the pairing of Perez and Hulkenberg.

“Perez already has several podium finishes to his name and being chosen by McLaren last year was a clear indication that he is a driver to watch for the future,” Mallya said.

“We also recognise his incredible talent and we are proud to have him in our team.

“He clearly has great speed and plenty of fire in his belly.

“By pairing Perez alongside Hulkenburg, we enter the new season with an extremely competitive line-up, which will go toward helping us achieve our goals for the new season.”

Perez was 11th in the drivers’ standings this year to finish one position behind Hulkenberg, who was driving for Sauber.

Force India started last season well with several top-five finishes before mid-season tire revisions contributed to its drop-off to a final position of sixth in the team standings.