F1: Hulkenberg Confirmed At Sauber For 2013

Formula 1

F1: Hulkenberg Confirmed At Sauber For 2013

Nico Hulkenberg is leaving his ride at Force India for an opportunity to race at Sauber next year...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted October 31, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Nico Hulkenberg's run at Force India is nearing an end. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Sauber has confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg will join the team in 2013.

While the German has been linked with the job for some weeks, it only became official after Force India failed to be ahead of Sauber and in the top six in the World Championship after the Indian GP, which eased the German’s passage out of his current contract.

Sauber, which thus far has nominated Hulkenberg only for next season, says it will name its second driver at a later date.

“We’ve been observing Nico for some time now, and his performances have been very persuasive,” said team boss Monisha Kaltenborn. “That was the case in GP2 and has continued into Formula One. An obvious highlight was how he scored pole at Interlagos in 2010 despite the most challenging external conditions. He clearly showed that he can seize the chance if it arises. But high spots like that are one thing; systematic teamwork is another – and on that score I have confidence in Nico, too. I’m sure he will fit in very well with the Sauber F1 Team. We look forward to working together with him.”

Hulkenberg said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the Sauber F1 Team. It’s a well-placed team and very competitive. Plus, it’s a team in which young drivers have repeatedly delivered exceptional performances. I would like to take up that baton.

“The Sauber F1 Team is currently going through a very positive development, and I’m certain that together we can achieve a lot. Until that time, I will remain fully focused on my job with the Sahara Force India Team. I’d like to thank the management at Sahara Force India for giving me the chance to return to Formula One as a team driver.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.

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