Contract extension ensures ‘great future’ for constructors
Nico Hulkenberg will be a Force India driver for at least another two years after the German put pen to paper on a new two year contract earlier this week.
The 28-year-old joined the constructors at the start of the 2014 campaign after previously representing the team in 2012.
His newly signed contract ensures he will race in the Force India colours until at least the end of the 2017 season, giving the team valuable stability in the years ahead.
The 2014 season was a remarkable year for Hulkenberg, as he clinched his highest ever points finish – 96, only failing to register a points finish on two occasions.
Teaming with Mexican Sergio Perez, who claimed 59 individual points, the pair guided Force India to a sixth placed finish, just 26 points behind the McLaren-Mercedes team.
Speaking about his new contract, Hulkenberg said he was looking forward to helping the team continue to grow.
“I’m very pleased to finalise and announce my plans for the future,” he said. “I know this team inside out and I feel at home here so it made perfect sense to make a long-term commitment.
“The progress the team has shown over the last two years has really impressed me and gives me confidence for the future.
“It’s a great group of people who are hungry for success and want to keep improving year-on-year. I think we have the important things in place going forward and I want to continue growing with this team as we move even further up the grid.”
Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director, declared himself as one of Hulkenberg’s ‘biggest fans’ and said it was ‘fantastic’ to see him commit to a further two years.
“He has spent almost four years with us already and in that time we’ve seen him develop into one of the best racing drivers in the world,” Dr Mallya said.
“Nico has the speed, the technical knowledge and the maturity to help us achieve some great results in the years ahead. We will do everything we can to continue delivering a car to match his talent.”
Hulkenberg is currently 12th in the driver’s standings this year, picking up 24 points from his 10 races.
