Hulkenberg stays on at Force India for 2016-17

The German driver rejoined the Silverstone-based squad for the start of 2014, having raced with Sauber the previous year.

Hulkenberg had been a Force India test driver in 2011, racing with the team in 2012 before departing to compete with Sauber.

Although he was one of the drivers linked with Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari seat before the Italian squad extend the Finn's contract, Hulkenberg will remain with Force India for a third year in succession.

"I'm very pleased to finalise and announce my plans for the future. I know this team inside out and I feel at home here so it made perfect sense to make a long-term commitment," said Hulkenberg.

"The progress the team has shown over the last two years has really impressed me and gives me confidence for the future. It's a great group of people who are hungry for success and want to keep improving year-on-year.

"I think we have the important things in place going forward and I want to continue growing with this team as we move even further up the grid."

The 28-year-old from Emmerich was in the spotlight earlier this year when he became the first active Formula 1 driver to win the Le Mans 24 Hours since 2009.

Hulkenberg won the endurance race for Porsche in his first attempt.

Team boss Vijay Mallya added: "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. 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."