Nico Hulkenberg has signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Force India until the end of the 2017 season.

The 28-year-old German has chosen to extend his stay at Silverstone operation for a third consecutive Formula 1 season despite being linked with a move to the new Haas F1 team.

After making his Force India race debut in 2012, Hulkenberg rejoined the team for a second spell in 2014 after a year at Sauber.

Hulkenberg, who helped Porsche to victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours this year, is lying 12th in the championship courtesy of four top 10 finishes this season.

“I’m very pleased to finalise and announce my plans for the future,” said Hulkenberg.

“I know this team inside out and I feel at home here so it made perfect sense to make a long-term commitment.

“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.”

Force India boss Vijay Mallya believes securing Hulkenberg for another two years is a huge boost for his team.

“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,” said Mallya.

“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.”

Force India is yet to confirm Hulkenberg’s team-mate for 2016 although it appears Sergio Perez is in the frame to remain at the squad for another campaign.