SILVERSTONE, England (AP) " Esteban Ocon is joining the Force India team next season on a multi-year contract, replacing Nico Hulkenberg after he left to join Formula One rival Renault. Force India team principal Vijay Mallya sees Ocon as "an exceptional talent, as his status as a Mercedes junior (driver) demonstrates." He began this year racing for Mercedes in Germany's DTM touring car championship and was also a reserve driver for the Renault F1 team. "Esteban has the most impressive track record in junior (racing)," Mercedes head of motorsport Toto Wolff said. Force India, which is supplied by Mercedes engines, is vying with Williams for fourth in the constructors' championship and holds a nine-point lead heading into this weekend's race.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 10, 2016 13:23 UTC