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The British-based Formula One team have one of the most
desirable seats remaining on the grid after Germany's Nico
Hulkenberg decided to leave for Renault.
There is no shortage of candidates but Fernley told reporters at
the Mexican Grand Prix that there was no deadline either.
"It’s (co-owner and principal) Vijay (Mallya)’s decision and
we’ll start those discussions probably when we get back next
week," he said.
"I think we’ll take our time, have a look at what offers are on
the table, Vijay will make his decision and then we’ll announce
it."
Pressed further, he said it could be "next week or the week
after or even the week after that."
Force India are currently fourth in the constructors' standings
with three races remaining, including Mexico, and on course for
their best ever performance.
Renault drivers Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer have both been
linked to Force India if they are not kept on as Hulkenberg's
future team mate.
Manor's Esteban Ocon and Pascal Wehrlein are both contracted to
Mercedes, who provide Force India's engines, and there has been
paddock speculation that either could be promoted up the grid.
Sauber's Brazilian Felipe Nasr and Sweden's Marcus Ericsson, who
have yet to score a point for the Swiss team this season, have
also hinted at an interest with the former considered a more
likely prospect.
Fernley said 2017, when the technical rules undergo sweeping
changes, promised to offer Force India the chance of a
"reasonably level playing field" for the first time.
"I’m very optimistic that the team will be very competitive in
2017," he said.
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin; Editing by Andrew Both)
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