Nico Hulkenberg is hoping to secure a race seat with the Force Indian team during the 2012 season following the loss of his seat at Williams at the end of 2010.
The German was replaced at the British team with pay driver, Pastor Maldonado, after they struggled to find sponsors. The Venezuelan has reportedly bought millions to the team in the form of sponsorship from state-owned petroleum giant PDVSA.
Hulkenberg admitted he was disappointed to have lost the opportunity to compete during the 2011 season, but delighted that Force India recognised his talent and took him on as their third driver.
“It was disappointing to lose a race seat,” he told DNA India. “I want to race.
“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 next year.”
Despite loosing his race seat to a pay driver, the 23-year-old understands the need for some teams to employ drivers who can afford to affectively buy their seat at the team, rather than earn it on sheer talent.
“They [Williams] had always mentioned that they see me as a long term driver with the team. But they never mentioned that they were unhappy with my performance,” he explained.
“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.
“On one side, I am disappointed with the way they handled me there. But I understand that they needed money and you can’t go racing without money.
“You need a budget to go racing and pay your employees. F1 is an expensive sport and without cash flow, it is difficult.”
