Force India to keep Perez for 2015 F1 season

SAO PAULO (AP) — Force India says it will keep Mexican driver Sergio Perez for the 2015 Formula One season.

Team principal Vijay Mallya said Friday that he has exercised his option to keep Perez next year and is also negotiating extending the contract into 2016.

Perez recently raised doubts about his future in F1, but will now be partnering Nico Hulkenberg next season.

The Mexican is 11th in the drivers' standings heading into the final two races of the season.

He had a difficult start to the Brazilian Grand Prix, failing to post a time in Friday's practice at Interlagos after test driver Daniel Juncadella crashed his car in the first session.

Mexico will host an F1 race next year for the first time since 1992.