Staying at Force India was 'sensible' - Sutil

Adrian Sutil insists it was more "sensible" to stay with Force India in 2010 rather than gamble on securing a seat with a top team.

The Silverstone based team activated the option on the 27-year-old German's contract late last year, and Sutil later also signed the double-sided clause.

Formerly at the rear of the field, Force India was a standout performer of the 2009 season, but Germany's sport1.de asked Sutil why he opted to stay for another year following speculation he might finally switch to a grandee team.

"It was the most sensible (choice)," he answered.

"There were teams we had contact with, but ultimately no one knew what their futures would be.

"With the other teams, the so-called top teams, it was clear that there would not be quick decisions. It would have been a risk to wait.

"I saw the improvement (at Force India) last year so I decided to sign the contract and have a safe place," said Sutil.

The interviewer asked Sutil, who made his F1 debut with Force India's predecessor Spyker in 2007, if continuing with the team in 2010 was a case of 'a bird in the hand (is worth two in the bush)'.

"You can see it with other drivers," he answered. "Many of them had an anxious time, and Nick Heidfeld didn't get a (race) contract at all -- also because he waited too long," said Sutil.