Nico Hulkenberg’s Formula One future looks assured with media in the German’s homeland revealing on Sunday he is swapping Sauber for Force India next season.

The 26-year-old, who did not immediately confirm the move ahead of the season-ending Brazil GP, had also been courted by Lotus.

But instead, he looked set to return to Vijay Mallya’s team where he previously collected 63 championship points having earlier been a test and reserve driver.

This year, having replaced Sergio Perez, who moved to McLaren, he has collected 47 points to stand 11th in the drivers’ rankings.