Nico Hulkenberg happy with 2012 season so far

Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg has stated he is happy with the 2012 season so far, even though the German believes that a few more points could’ve been scored. However, bad luck has cost Hulkenberg dearly so far this season, with the 25-year-old currently only 16th in the Drivers’ Championship with 19 points scored.

After making his debut in 2010 with Williams alongside Formula 1 veteran Rubens Barrichello, Nico Hulkenberg was forced to become Force India’s reserve driver for the 2011 season after he was replaced at Williams by Pastor Maldonado. After a season of frustration, Hulkenberg was promoted to a full-time drive alongside Paul di Resta. Although Nico Hulkenberg has only retired from one race all season, the German has only finished in the points five times, with a personal best of 5th at the frenetic European Grand Prix.

However, Hulkenberg is positive with how the 2012 season has gone for him so far, even though the German made several mistakes at the beginning of the season. With di Resta fresh from his successful debut season, Hulkenberg was left trailing in his wake throughout the first few races of the season.

“I am quite happy with how the season has gone so far.” Explained Nico Hulkenberg, in an interview with Formula1.com. “It was a bit difficult in the beginning, but we consistently improved the car and were able to fight for points on many tracks. However, a few more points would have been possible, I guess. Especially in the first few races I had some bad luck, which cost me some better results. So I am happy, but not 100 percent happy.”

Force India currently sit 8th in the Constructors’ Championship with only 46 points scored, which is two places down on where the Silverstone-based outfit ended last season. With the highly competitive nature of the field this season, one minor mistake is amplified greatly, however Nico Hulkenberg is confident his team can improve as the season progresses.

“Of course. We already showed last year that our development speed is very competitive and I do not see a reason why we shouldn’t be able to repeat that again.” Continued Nico Hulkenberg, “We’re only seven points shy of Williams and I think we can catch them. I don’t know whether it’s possible to catch Sauber. It will be difficult, but the whole team will try their very best, that’s for sure.”

Nico Hulkenberg enjoyed a very competitive end to his debut season in 2010, finishing in the points four times and even starting the Brazilian Grand Prix from pole after a wet/dry qualifying session. The German will undeniably been striving to emulate those results this season, as Force India play catch-up with Williams and Sauber.

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