Aston Martin has confirmed that Nico Hulkenberg will continue to represent the team at this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Reserve driver Hulkenberg was drafted into action in Bahrain after Sebastian Vettel returned a positive Covid-19 test between pre-season testing and the grand prix weekend.
Aston Martin deferred a decision on its line-up for the upcoming round at Jeddah in order to give Vettel the maximum time to return a negative test.
On Friday the squad confirmed that Hulkenberg will continue to drive the AMR22 at Jeddah, with Vettel again absent.
It outlined that it expects Vettel to be fit for the next round of the season, scheduled to be held in Australia, from April 8 to 10.
Hulkenberg is one of two drivers on the grid, along with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, with no prior experience of the high-speed Jeddah track.
“After familiarising myself with the AMR22 in Bahrain last weekend, racing in Saudi Arabia will give me the opportunity to develop and further improve my understanding of the car,” said Hulkenberg.
“In addition, the work I did back in the simulator earlier this week has given me some extra insight and helped me prepare for this fast and flowing track.
“Obviously, I wish Sebastian a speedy recovery, but I am really looking forward to the challenge and will be doing my best for the whole team this weekend.”
Hulkenberg out-qualified Lance Stroll on his Formula 1 return in Bahrain – his first outing at any race weekend since Eifel 2020 – but finished last of the 17 runners in the race.
This weekend’s round is the home event for Aston Martin’s title sponsor, Aramco.
