Nico Hulkenberg is expecting a highly competitive 2016 Formula 1 season, despite stating that both Mercedes and Ferrari will dominate at the sharp end of the pecking order.
Whilst the Force India racer has stated that the new season will not be a boring affair, he is eyeing Williams as the favourites to secure third in the constructors’ championship behind Mercedes and Ferrari.
After an impressive eight days of winter testing at Barcelona, Hulkenberg is aiming to become the best of the rest behind Williams, in a battle which could well feature the likes of Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Renault.
Over the last few years the midfield section of the F1 grid has become increasingly competitive, with a very fine line separating those drivers fighting for points in the top ten and fighting towards the rear of the order.
“I think this F1 season will be highly competitive. Not boring,” enthused Hulkenberg to the official F1 website.
“Obviously, Mercedes and Ferrari will dominate in 2016 – again. Williams are the favourites for third place in the championship.
“What counts for me and our team is being the best of the rest – and perhaps a little bit more! Who knows?”
In recent years many within the paddock have linked Hulkenberg to other drives at bigger teams, such as Ferrari.
However, with many teams unlikely to change their line-up for the 2017 season when further rule changes are applied, it seems Hulkenberg could well remain a Force India driver for the foreseeable future.
This does not seem to bother the German, who is eyeing his first podium finish in a Force India car.
“Just now the future doesn't matter for me,” continued Hulkenberg.
“I extended my contract last year and I'm happy to work with my team on new objectives.
“Last year was the best year for Force India. This season should become the best year of my career too.
“I'm hungry to push myself onto the podium – in a Force India.”
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