FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[bud]

Nico Hulkenberg will reportedly return to F1 racing next season, replacing Adrian Sutil as Paul di Resta's Force India team-mate.

Hulkenberg made his F1 debut with Williams last season but even a pole position at the Brazilian GP could not stop the Grove-based team from dropping him in favour of a paying driver for this year's Championship.

Force India were quick to snap up the German, signing him as their third and reserve driver.

Next season, though, Hulkenberg looks set to be back in action on grand prix Sundays with reports claiming he has signed a one-year deal with Force India to race. The deal, which was reportedly concluded on Tuesday, includes a one-year option for 2013.

However, Hulkenberg's manager Timo Gans is refusing to confirm or deny the reports.

"Nico and I have decided to say nothing to the driver issue until the team has given its go-ahead," Gans told motorsport-total.com.

Meanwhile, Autosport magazine claims that it is Sutil who will be dropped to make space for Hulkenberg with Force India set to remain di Resta instead.

Thoughts?

[acosmichippo]

I thought Force India wasn't going to make any driver decisions until the season was over.

[racechick]

I think they should stick with what they've got, its a good pairing, one of my favourites in fact.

[Denthúl]

It would be a good move, if true. Sutil is a good, solid driver, but he's had five years and not really made an impact. He's been ignored by the bigger teams and was out-performed by Fisichella frequently. Hulkenberg showed great potential in the second half of 2010, once he found his feet, and was even performing well against Barrichello. I'd be wanting to give him a race seat if he was in my team, although I'd also be wary that other teams might be waiting to see how he does and then try to poach him. di Resta has come in and out-qualified Sutil more often than not. He's only a few points behind, despite being in his rookie season compared to Sutil's fifth. He's already looking like he could lead the team.

I'd really like Hulkenberg to get a race seat. It was an absolute shame that he was dropped for Maldonado, although judging by the results this season, it might be better for his career that he didn't have to drive such a terrible car.

[LewEngBridewell]

Adrian Sutil has become similar to what Nick Heidfeld was - solid, fast, but nothing super-special. Force India are in the same situation as Renault, with having a number of really good drivers, but not enough seats.

However, I'm really happy there is a possibility that Nico Hulkenberg gets another chance after his time at Williams. I feel there's more to come from that guy...

[McLaren]

Hmm interesting one,I really don't know what I think about it to be honest.I suppose theres more chance of Hulk hitting the heights with more experience,but is he better than Sutil ?? time will tell.

[LewEngBridewell]

I wonder what'll happen to Sutil?

As I said, he doesn't come across as one of the greatest, but he's solid in the fact he can collect up those points. Still has life in his career yet.

[andrew]

Sutil has started to become a bit of a journeyman and doesn't seem to be going forward. Glad Hulkenberg is getting back onto the grid. I think Williams made a mistake and should have ditched the has-been/never-was journeyman Barrichello and kept Hulkenberg for this year. I wonder where Sutil goes?

I'm glad they are keeping di Resta. He's match his more experienced team mate in most races and is only 7 points behind and has been hindered slightly from his inexperience at some tracks so next year should be better.

[vlad]

Hulkenberg must drive, he deserves it!

[Hansy]

Congratz for Hulk! He surely deserves a drive. I can see Sutil going the opposite way and replacing Barrichello at Williams. With the Renault engine maybe they'll be stronger next season.

[darwin dali]

Congratz for Hulk! He surely deserves a drive. I can see Sutil going the opposite way and replacing Barrichello at Williams. With the Renault engine maybe they'll be stronger next season.

Was a shame he was dropped by Williams.
Good on him (if it's true)

[bud]

Congratz for Hulk! He surely deserves a drive. I can see Sutil going the opposite way and replacing Barrichello at Williams. With the Renault engine maybe they'll be stronger next season.

Was a shame he was dropped by Williams.
Good on him (if it's true)

Yes hopefully it is true, though I feel sorry for Sutil at the same time.

[darwin dali]

Congratz for Hulk! He surely deserves a drive. I can see Sutil going the opposite way and replacing Barrichello at Williams. With the Renault engine maybe they'll be stronger next season.

Was a shame he was dropped by Williams.
Good on him (if it's true)

Yes hopefully it is true, though I feel sorry for Sutil at the same time.

True that, but he had his chance (and the altercation he was involved in probably didn't help either).

[racechick]

Well Im sad for Suthil. I like him. Only now the car gets good and he gets dropped.

[andrew]

Suthil?