Albeit out of Grands Prix, former Williams man Nico Hülkenberg will remain in Formula 1 this year courtesy of a reserve driver deal with Force India, which was officially confirmed in Scotland on Wednesday afternoon as he stood alongside compatriot Adrian Sutil and British rookie Paul di Resta.
Nico, you're joining Force India in the test and reserve driver role this season. What are your feelings about starting your new job with the team?
I feel excited about my new home in F1. I am looking forward to working here and of course I am especially looking forward to driving the car for the first time. The team have made a huge leap forward within the last years and I want to be a part of the next step.
What can you bring to the team?
Last year was very important for me. I could gain lots of experience and had a good team-mate. I learned a lot from him on how to help developing a car in the right direction. I'm bringing a high level of motivation and will give my very best to be helpful for the team.
How will you keep yourself motivated this year as a test driver?
Well, of course I'd rather be a race driver, but the most important is that I stay within the F1 circus. Every driver wants to compete in races - that is what we are all driving for. But my motivation is to convince the team of my skills in order to be back in a race cockpit in 2012.
What will your plans be from now until the start of the season?
I will work with my physiotherapist for some days, work with the Force India engineers in the factory and drive the car a few days of the winter testing.
Have you been at the factory getting to know the team and the new engineering team you'll work with?
Yes, I have. We had to do a seat fit and discuss some other things. The team left a very good impression and I think we will be a good combination and bring the team forward.
What do you make of your new team-mates?
These are two great guys. Adrian and I were direct competitors last year, I like him personally. Also Paul is a sympathetic guy and had a very successful career so far, he could bring some surprises to the team.
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