Sutil: Force India to fight in midfield

The Silverstone-based squad, who used Ferrari engines in 2008, will switch to the German power units for next year, when they will also received technical assistance from McLaren.

After failing to score a point in 2008, Sutil reckons Force India will be in much better shape next season.

"Yes, I believe it will be a start (of a new era). The partnership with McLaren-Mercedes will help us have a much better car in 2009 and to have better results," Sutil told the official Formula One website.

"Every one in our team is very positive about the partnership. We all believe that 2009 will bring us up to the midfield and that we will score points in 2009."

Sutil acknowledged, however, that the team are likely to suffer from the late introduction of their new car, which is unlikely to be tested before March.

"That's for sure a problem. But I can't change it. And if I'm honest, it's better to start in March with a good car than to test in February with a bad one."

The German driver admitted it was not easy to keep his motivation up during the season, seeing himself at the back of the grid most of the time.

"It's not easy to stay motivated and focused all the time if you know that your car is not good enough for better positions," he said.

"But at the end of the day I'm happy to be in F1 and I will get my chance in the future."