Sutil optimistic of Spyker test deal

The German shone during several outings for the team on Fridays this year, and is confident that he has done enough for the team to retain him next season.

And although he has admitted that he is discussing his future options with several teams having clinched the Japanese Formula Three Championship this year, he has told autosport.com that Spyker are his favoured option.

"I want to stay in F1 as a real test driver or maybe there is a bit of a chance still for a race seat, but I am more likely to be a tester," said Sutil, who is competing in the Macau Grand Prix this weekend.

"I should be with Spyker MF1, but of course we are talking to other teams. Nearly all the other teams are already full though and, although there may be other chances, the best offer is from Spyker.

"We should get something sorted in the next few weeks. We are very close and now just waiting to get all the information from the other teams who we are talking to. Once everything is clear then we will make the decision."

Sutil has ruled out racing at all next year so he can focus on F1 testing - and has admitted that he was surprised about how well some of his Friday outings went this year.

"Especially on the first Friday at the Nurburgring I didn't expect to be up there," he said. "As always on Friday, the testers have a lighter car and new tyres, but even so to get a Spyker near the front was maybe not the easiest thing but it happened.

"I did quite well I think. I am happy from my side and the team was very happy with my performance."