Monza (Italy), Sep 1 (IANS): Just days before the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, Force India on Tuesday extended the contract of Nico Hulkenberg for another two years which will keep the German at the Silverstone-based outfit till the end of 2017.

"I'm very pleased to finalise and announce my plans for the future. I know this team inside out and I feel at home here so it made perfect sense to make a long-term commitment. The progress the team has shown over the last two years has really impressed me and gives me confidence for the future," said Hulkenberg.

"It's a great group of people who are hungry for success and want to keep improving year-on-year. We have the important things in place going forward and I want to continue growing with this team as we move even further up the grid."

The 28-year-old joined Force India in 2011 from Williams before leaving for Sauber for a year in 2013. He returned to the team in 2014 and has now extended his contract for two more years.

"I make no secret of being one of Nico's biggest fans and so it's fantastic to confirm him as our driver for the next couple of seasons," team principal Vijay Mallya said.

"He has spent almost four years with us already and in that time we've seen him develop into one of the best racing drivers in the world. Nico has the speed, the technical knowledge and the maturity to help us achieve some great results in the years ahead. We will do everything we can to continue delivering a car to match his talent."

Hulkenberg is currently 12th in the drivers' championship standings with 24 points, just a place behind Mexican teammate Sergio Perez. His best finish this year was sixth at the Austrian Grand Prix in June.