Perez extends Force India stay

Force India duo Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon have endured a fractious relationship, but they will remain team-mates next season.

Perez, who has accumulated 58 points this season, is looking to the future with optimism after extending his stay.

Sergio Perez has signed a contract extension to remain with Force India for the 2018 Formula One season.

The news means the Mexican will stay on as Esteban Ocon's team-mate, with the pair having endured an often fractious relationship that has seen them clash on and off the track.

Following last month's Belgian Grand Prix, in which they came together on two occasions, the duo were barred from racing each other without team orders.

But Perez, who has accumulated 58 points this season, is looking to the future with optimism after extending his stay.

"Staying with Sahara Force India was always my priority," he said in a statement ahead of Sunday's Singapore GP. "It's a team that has allowed me to show my talents as a driver and I feel very happy here.

"I'm proud of everything we have already achieved together and I think there is more to come.

"The team has done an amazing job this year to develop the car and establish our position as the fourth best team in Formula One. In the end it was an easy decision to continue our journey together."

Perez moved to the team in 2014 after one year with McLaren, having previously spent two seasons at Sauber.