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No talks to end Force India contract - Liuzzi

ESPNF1 Staff
January 5, 2011 « Mallorca pushing for 2012 grand prix | »
Tonio Liuzzi: "I have a very clear deal with the team for the 2011 season and if they should decide to take other routes, they know what they are facing" © Getty Images
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Tonio Liuzzi says he has not been in talks with Force India about terminating his 2011 race contract early.

Media reports this week said the team wants Paul di Resta to race alongside Adrian Sutil this season, despite Liuzzi having an ongoing contract. The delay of an official announcement has led to speculation that Force India is trying to come to an agreement with Liuzzi, but the 29-year-old Italian insists the situation has not changed since the end of last season.

"My situation is clear," Liuzzi told 422race.com. "Force India hasn't informed me about any change and for me only the words of the team count."

Liuzzi denied that settlements, including monetary payments or even a seat with engine supplier Mercedes in the DTM championship, are being discussed.

"I wasn't offered anything, as I said I haven't spoken to Force India about anything like that," he insisted.

He said his 2011 contract makes him confident, but refused to rule out the possibility of Force India trying to replace him.

"By now, nothing can surprise me any more in Formula One," he said. "But so far I wasn't offered anything - neither money nor a seat in DTM, as I read elsewhere.

"They didn't tell me such things, for sure. I'm pretty calm, because I have a very clear deal with the team for the 2011 season and if they should decide to take other routes, they know what they are facing."

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