Nico Hulkenberg to remain with Force India for 2015 as Viyay Mallya hails German driver as a 'true racer'

Hulkenberg says he has 'enjoyed' this season with the Force India team and is looking forward to remaining with them next year

Ian Parkes
Tuesday 21 October 2014 17:57 BST
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Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg
Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg has been retained by Force India for the 2015 Formula One season.

Hailed as a "true racer" and a motivator by team principal Vijay Mallya, Hulkenberg has enjoyed his strongest season to date this campaign since returning to the Silverstone-based marque.

The 27-year-old German said: "It's good to confirm my plans for next season. This is a team I know extremely well and we've enjoyed a great year together with some special results."

Hulkenberg has finished in the points in 13 of the 16 grands prix to date, with four fifth-place finishes to his credit, comfortably outscoring team-mate Sergio Perez.

For now there is no word on whether the team will also retain Perez, even though the Mexican has consistently stated in numerous weeks his desire to remain.

For Hulkenberg, next term will be his fifth competitive campaign in F1 since making his debut with Williams in 2010.

After being dropped by the Grove-based team, Hulkenberg was signed by Force India as test driver for 2011 prior to being promoted to a race seat for 2012.

Surprisingly, Hulkenberg then switched to Sauber for 2013, only to return to Force India for the current season.

Nico Hulkenberg in action during the Russian Grand Prix

Believing the future is bright with Force India, Hulkenberg added: "The team has big ambitions and I believe we can have a competitive package again next year.

"We have a strong partner in Mercedes and everyone in the team is motivated and hungry for more success.

"I have a good feeling for 2015, and there is a lot to be excited about as we try to build on the results we have achieved this year."

Mallya has confirmed holding on to Hulkenberg on this occasion was an easy decision as he said: "Everybody in the team is delighted to see Nico remain a Force India driver for next season.

"We rate him very highly and he has done a tremendous job this year by consistently picking up crucial championship points.

"We know him extremely well - he's a true racer and he knows how to motivate the team.

"I am convinced he is one of the best talents on the grid, and I am proud he will continue to race in the colours of Force India."

PA

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