Hulkenberg eyes 2012 Force India race seat

Nico Hulkenberg this week reiterated his hope of returning to the F1 grid next year with Force India.

The 23-year-old German and 2010 Interlagos polesitter had a promising debut last season but was replaced by Williams for 2011 with Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado.

In Bangalore on Tuesday for the launch of the Silverstone based team’s new Indian driver academy, Hulkenberg told DNA India that he wants to turn the disappointment of losing his Williams drive into a Force India race seat in 2012.

This year, the German appears in the VJM04 cockpit for the initial Friday morning practice session at every grand prix.

"I want to race," he said. "On the other side, I am happy that Force India have picked me up. It has given me a chance to prove my talent and deliver.

"Hopefully, they can give me a chance to drive (race) next year," said Hulkenberg.

He said he was disappointed to lose his seat at Williams but understands the British team’s need to raise its budget with "a pay-driver".

"They had always mentioned that they see me as a long term driver with the team and they never mentioned that they were unhappy with my performance," said Hulkenberg.

"At the end of the year, the story developed that they were losing sponsors and needed money, and they needed a pay-driver. Then came Pastor Maldonado," he added.