Former Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil eyes WEC chance and wants to race at Le Mans
Former Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil is interested in a move to the World Endurance Championship and wants to race in the Le Mans 24 Hours
Sutil's F1 career has stalled following Sauber's decision to replace him and 2014 team-mate Esteban Gutierrez with ex-Caterham racer Marcus Ericsson and Williams reserve driver Felipe Nasr next season.
Ferrari recently announced that Gutierrez will become its test and reserve driver for 2015, but Sutil will likely be forced to consider options outside of F1 for next year.
"There are plenty of opportunities in categories that are really interesting - it doesn't need to only be Formula 1," the German told AUTOSPORT.
"I've had my normal plan disrupted so I have to look at several categories. I'm very open.
"I look forward to whatever happens. If I don't drive next year, I'm still a happy man.
"Maybe the year after Haas is coming to Formula 1, and this is an interesting project. The WEC could [also] be an interesting project.
"Everyone is saying good words about it, and that's how I feel about it. The cars are quick and probably similar to Formula 1.
"I definitely want to do the 24 Hours of Le Mans in my career, and I'm looking at certain Formula 1 drivers who did that step and are very happy.
"There are manufacturers there and that's good for the future for a driver - you need a partner who is reliable and you can make a long-term contract [with] and then really work and improve.
"I'm 31 and I could still go quite a few more years in Formula 1, but I've been in Formula 1 and there's a time where you have to go somewhere else."
PREVIOUS SABBATICAL HELPS
Sutil, who has started 128 grands prix in his career without finishing on the podium, said taking a year out of F1 previously, in 2012, has made him more relaxed about the prospect of not racing in F1 in 2015.
"The year I had off was wonderful - it was a great time [and] maybe I'm a little bit more relaxed than other drivers," Sutil added.
"I remember the time I was suffering in 2011, not knowing what would be in 2012.
"I've done that now, and this experience made me a little more calm. Life goes on, I've seen it. The older you get, the more you realise."
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