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Szafnauer praises Hulkenberg: 'He proved himself last year'

Szafnauer praises Hulkenberg: 'He proved himself last year'

08-04-2021 13:13 Last update: 13:24
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GPblog.com

On Thursday Aston Martin announced that Nico Hulkenberg will join the team in 2021 as test and reserve driver. The news was long overdue as Hulkenberg himself and others had previously said it was going to happen, but now it's official.

Hulkenberg brings years of experience with him. He has appeared at the start of a Formula 1 race no less than 176 times in total, and has driven for multiple teams, including Racing Point. This is where he was unexpectedly allowed to return in 2020 as a replacement for Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, when they sat at home due to a coronavirus infection.

Aston Martin welcomes Hulkenberg

Hulkenberg has already indicated that he is happy to have enough time to prepare this time, but that he obviously hopes that Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll will not need a replacement. "It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I'm looking forward to setting some great lap times," Hulkenberg said in a comment on the website of Aston Martin.

Team boss Otmar Szafnauer is also pleased with Hulkenberg's arrival. "We are happy to welcome Nico back to the team, this time officially, as a reserve and test driver for Aston Martin. In these difficult times it is important to have a capable and experienced reserve driver. 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," Szafnauer said.