Force India expects to keep drivers

Le Mans 24 Hours winner Hulkenberg has said he has "a few good options" for next season despite being overlooked by Ferrari after the Scuderia chose to take up an option to keep Kimi Raikkonen.

Meanwhile Perez, who joined Force India last year, is of interest to Renault as it closes on a deal to revive its work team by buying back Lotus.

"The aim is to keep both of them next year," Mallya told AUTOSPORT. "I'm confident we will keep them both.

"Of course until contracts are signed, I won't confirm anything, but I do not believe they will leave the team.

"Nico has been fantastic this year, he is one of the best drivers out there and we're very pleased with him.

"It's the same for Checo. I couldn't be happier with them both."

Last year, Mallya announced Hulkenberg would stay at the end of October and confirmed Perez a month later.

He said there was no rush to conclude deals with either driver yet this year.

"There is no deadline," he said. "History will tell you I am probably one of the last to announce the line-up.

"The drivers are committed, the motivation levels are high and they are delighted with the B-spec car and the direction the team is going in.

"If they didn't want to stay, they would tell me. We're very good friends and have a good relationship.

"I'm happy with both drivers and I think both are happy with the team."