Force India team figures have played down suggestions they may lose Nico Hulkenberg to a rival team.

The Silverstone-based outfit have finally ended rumours that Sergio Perez is set to switch to Renault, but now the Mexican's teammate Hulkenberg is being linked with the move.

Hulkenberg played down those rumours in Malaysia last weekend, and Force India have said previously that the German is already under contract for 2017.

Asked if a rival will poach Hulkenberg, sporting director Otmar Szafnauer told Auto Motor und Sport: "I don't think so."

Told, however, that Force India is yet to confirm Hulkenberg officially for 2017, he insisted: "We don't have to.

"Both drivers have contracts with us. In the case of Perez, we decided to simply stop the rumours so that the sponsors have clarity."

When faced with the same rumours, team co-owner and boss Vijay Mallya told Germany's Bild: "We are very happy with [Hulkenberg]."

Indeed, Hulkenberg may also be more than happy to stay, given that Force India is currently fourth in the constructors' championship, while Renault is ninth.

Yet another rumour is that Hulkenberg might actually be free to leave, because Force India have been late to pay him.

"I can assure you," said Szafnauer, "we pay all of our bills."

Mallya is unable to attend races amid his Indian legal troubles at present, and fellow team owner Subrata Roy is actually in jail.

However, Szafnauer insisted: "Our major sponsors are not running away, and they have very strict compliance regulations, whether Mercedes, Diageo or NEC.

"Whether there are companies who shy away from us, I don't know."

One option for Force India might therefore be to sell Hulkenberg to Renault, and make even more money by taking on a well-financed driver, like Lance Stroll.

"The money would be great right now," said Szafnauer, "but we always take the best drivers we can get on the market and we have been well served by that policy."

The 2016 championship continues with the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.