Race return or F1 exit, Hulkenberg warns

Nico Hulkenberg on Friday hinted he would rather quit formula one than spend another season on the bench.

After a promising debut with Williams last year, the German had to accept a Friday and reserve role at Force India in 2011, but he is hotly tipped to move into the race seat for next season.

Team boss Vijay Mallya, however, is still yet to announce his decision.

"I hope it is a matter of one or two weeks," the 24-year-old told DPA news agency at Interlagos, where the Brazilian grand prix is the final race of the season.

"I won’t do this (being test driver) a second year. That is out of the question," added Hulkenberg.

Asked if another series is an option, he admitted: "Yes, of course. But I haven’t done anything (in that direction) yet."

Hulkenberg described his year on the bench as "disappointing", and recalls the "deeply distressing" decision made by Williams last year to replace him with Pastor Maldonado.

That decision was made just after his last visit to Interlagos, when he stunned the F1 paddock by achieving pole position.

"The DVD (of 2010 Brazil qualifying) is always in my laptop. I still watch it regularly," he smiled.