Nico Hulkenberg has been confirmed at Force India for the 2014 season on a multi year deal.
Hulkenberg raced with the Silverstone based team in the 2011 and 2012 season and now returns to Force India after a season at Sauber. The announcement comes just a few days after Lotus announced that Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado will drive for them in 2014. Hulkenberg was the front runner for the Lotus team, but after the Quantum deal that was on the verge of being completed didn’t materialize, Lotus had to go with Maldonado and the money that he brings in.
“I am happy to come back to Sahara Force India. The team is aiming high for next year and I believe that the experience I have gained over the years will help us achieve those goals,” said Hulkenberg.
“I genuinely believe we can have a competitive package in 2014. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the Mercedes engine as well, so I think there is a lot to be excited about for next year.”
“I know this team and I can see their determination; it’s a great bunch of people and we all share the same hunger for success.”
Force India Team Principal, Vijay Mallya expressed his delight at having Hulkenberg back at Force India.
“Having Nico in our line-up is a real statement of intent and a huge boost for everyone associated with the team. We have high hopes and expectations for 2014 and by signing Nico we have put ourselves in the best position to achieve those objectives and enjoy what could be our most competitive season yet,” said Mallya
Force India are still to confirm who their second driver will be. Many people are saying that Sergio Perez is a strong contender for that seat. Kudos to Vijay Mallya for taking on a driver who is clearly a good driver and not choosing a driver based on how much money he is able to bring to a team.
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[…] “I’m expecting total calamity in the early stages of 2014 and it remains to be seen if that’s entertaining or confusing, but I have no doubt that these brilliant engineers and designers will master the issues sooner than later” Brundle wrote in his Sky Sports F1 column. He did however agree with Jenson Button that certain revisions in the new 2014 regulations and technical changes like those to aerodynamics could dent Red Bull’s supremacy and make for a more level playing field. Button recently said that he’s expecting the 2014 cars to be more difficult to drive due to increased torque and less downforce, something he doesn’t seem to excited about but he expressed his views that we should be looking at a more level playing field next season. “I agree with Jenson Button, big changes can only hurt Red Bull given they have such an advantage, but no doubt the usual suspects with the biggest resource will get there first. I’m hoping that we won’t have a three-tier Ferrari – Renault – Mercedes championship in whichever order for both power and efficiency, but it’s possible,” Brundle wrote. Brundle added that teams have a lot of work ahead of them saying, “I’ve asked my trusted sources in the paddock and they just roll their eyes and throw their arms up in the air. There’s a huge amount of work to do in a very short space of time.” The Briton seemed most concerned about a crisis in the sport around the current financial state some teams are finding themselves in. He added that, “The midfield driver market should settle down in the next week or so,” just prior to the confirmations that Pastor Maldonado will move to Lotus in 2014 and Nico Hulkenberg will head to Force India. […]