Bangalore, Oct 27 (PTI): Refuting reports that he would replace Adrian Sutil at Sahara Force India next year, team test driver Nico Hulkenberg on Thursday said that co-owner Vijay Mallya would take a decision on the matter on December 15.

"There are quite a few rumours going on. A decision has not yet been taken on who would be in the race seat next year.

I can only refer to what Vijay Mallya said, that he would make an announcement on December 15," he told reporters at the launch of the commemorative Kingfisher beer cans here.

There are rumours that Hulkenberg has already signed a one-year deal to replace Sutil at Force India for the 2012 season.

It is for the teammates to have patience and wait for Mallya's decision, Hulkenberg added.

Hulkenberg is aiming at a top-five finish for the team in the last three Formula 1 races of the season. Sahara Force India, with 49 points, is currently sixth on the constructors' standings.

"A top-five finish will be difficult, but nothing is impossible," he said.

Hulkenberg said he has not yet had a look at the newly-built Buddh International Circuit (BIC). "I will go there tomorrow and check the circuit," he said.

Asked about the expectations of home fans, he said "in India, the attention is a little bigger and the pressure is building. We dream to do better and achieve a podium finish in the upcoming inaugural (October 30) Indian Grand Prix."

He also hoped that with Sahara joining hands with Force India, the team would become better in 2012. "It will not only help us financially, but also technologically. It will be possible for us to utilise fresh capital in engineering and other related aspects," Hulkenberg said.