Sauber signs Nico Hulkenberg for 2013

While the top three teams, four if you’re being kind and including Mercedes AMG, have all signed off on their driver contracts for 2013 there’s still some movement to be had in the mid pack. As such we bring you word that 25-year-old German Nico Hulkenberg will be moving to Sauber from Force India next year.

In an official team statement Hulkenberg said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the Sauber F1 Team. It’s a well-placed team and very competitive. Plus it’s a team in which young drivers have repeatedly delivered exceptional performances. I would like to take up that baton.”

Meanwhile, Force India boss, Vijay Mallya, is being very courteous to his departing charge. “It has been a pleasure to have Nico with us for the last couple of years,” he told Sky Sports.

“We would like to thank him for all his hard work and wish him well for the future. With three races remaining this season, we know Nico will remain totally committed and continue to deliver his best performances for the team.”

Sauber is yet to offer Kamui Kobayashi a contract and say their second driver for the 2013 will be announced at a later date.

[Pic: Sahara Force India Formula One Team]

Sauber F1 Team signs on Nico Hülkenberg for 2013

Nico Hülkenberg has been confirmed as one of the two team drivers for the Sauber F1 Team in season 2013. The 25-year-old German won the GP2 Series in 2009, made his Formula One debut in 2010 with the WilliamsF1 Team and managed to capture a pole position in his maiden year. He is currently driving for Sahara Force India and ranks 12th in the Drivers’ World Championship with 49 points after 17 out of 20 races. Hülkenberg’s best Formula One race result this season was at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he finished fourth on the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

Team Principal Monisha Kaltenborn commented: “We’ve been observing Nico for some time now and his performances have been very persuasive. That was the case in GP2 and has continued into Formula One. An obvious highlight was how he scored pole at Interlagos in 2010 despite the most challenging external conditions. He clearly showed that he can seize the chance if it arises. But high spots like that are one thing; systematic teamwork is another – and on that score I have confidence in Nico too. I’m sure he will fit in very well with the Sauber F1 Team. We look forward to working together with him.”

Nico Hülkenberg’s reaction: “I’m really looking forward to working with the Sauber F1 Team. It’s a well-placed team and very competitive. Plus it’s a team in which young drivers have repeatedly delivered exceptional performances. I would like to take up that baton. The Sauber F1 Team is currently going through a very positive development and I’m certain that together we can achieve a lot. Until that time I will remain fully focused on my job with the Sahara Force India Team. I’d like to thank the management at Sahara Force India for giving me the chance to return to Formula One as a team driver.”

The Sauber F1 Team will announce its second driver for the 2013 season at a later date.