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Nico Hulkenberg Signed As Reserve And Development Driver For 2021
During 2020 Nico Hulkenberg filled in for the two Racing Point (Aston Martin) drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll when they both tested positive for COVID-19. Even though he only scored ten points last year it seems that Aston Martin are impressed because it was confirmed yesterday that Nico Hulkenberg was going to be their Reserve and Development driver in 2021.
Nico Hulkenberg’s history
Nico Hulkenberg’s history of teams in Formula 1 is a bit more complicated then other Reserve drivers with him driving for Williams from 2010 until he was released from the team in 2011 then he drove for Force India in 2012 until he joined Sauber in 2013 after he chose to go back to Force India in 2014 he stayed there until it was confirmed in October 2016 that he would drive for Renault for three years until they choose not to renew Nico’s contract in favour of Esteban Ocon. To some people that may sound like a failed career but in this situation it favours Nico Hulkenberg because he has proved that he can go from car to car without issue reassuring Aston Martin that they made the right decision hiring him as a reserve and development driver.
What Hulkenberg and Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer have to say
After it was confirmed yesterday that Nico Hulkenberg would be their Reserve and Development driver Nico Hulkenberg and Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer gave this statement to the press “First of all, it’s great to get this deal signed up with plenty of notice – last year, I didn’t have quite as much time to prepare before jumping in the car,” said Hulkenberg. “I’m really pleased to once again work with this team – with whom I have driven many times during my career.
“Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons this year, but the team knows it can rely on me to step in and do an excellent job, and I’m fully prepared to take on that challenge. It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I’m really looking forward to pulling great lap-times out of my arm sleeve.” Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer added: “In these difficult times, the requirement for a capable and experienced reserve driver is especially important.
“Nico proved last year that he could jump in the car and perform superbly at a moment’s notice; now, with additional scope for preparation and integration, we know that we can rely on Nico to do an excellent job.”