Hülkenberg approaches 2012 confident and with no pressure
Nico Hülkenberg will make his return to competition in 2012 after being the third driver for Force India in 2011. The German knows that he will probably need some time to get back into the right rhythm but will approach this new season with a certain optimism.
This season, Nico Hülkenberg will make his return to the starting grids. After a first season in F1 with the Williams team in 2010, the young German driver spent the 2011 season biding his time as the third driver for the Force India team. A team that now allows him to return to competition. Even though he is aware it won’t be easy, Hülkenberg is not worried about his return to racing.
« I have already been through this in 2010 and I still have memories of it. However, it is not the same situation as in 2010 when I was a rookie and everything was new to me. It’s not a bad situation, but not having been on the grid for a year means it will take some time before I am at 100%, » analyzes the new Force India driver.
Apart from a front end that, like that of the Ferrari or the Caterham, does not quite have unanimous appeal, the VJM05 is characterized by an exhaust position that differs from last year due to the banning of the blown diffuser. This implies that, on paper, the 2012 single-seaters will lose downforce compared to 2011, but engineers are already working on solutions to minimize this deficit.
« Losing the blown diffuser is a step backward, but at the same time the aerodynamicists and engineers have tried to develop other areas and regain what we have lost, » assures Nico Hülkenberg.
« Today, you need a good aerodynamic package, but also a mechanical one. You can’t afford to have bad suspensions. Everything has to come together, and you need harmony in the car. With aero, everything is in the details. I’ve seen the car in the wind tunnel, and it seems good, but you never know where you stand until you drive and compete against others, so let’s wait and see.
Since its creation in 2009, the Indian team has continually progressed in the hierarchy. In 2012, it will aim even higher by trying to finish in fifth place among constructors. To achieve this, the VJM05 will need to be fast everywhere right from the start of the season.
« I think the team’s philosophy is clearly to build a fast and competitive car. With 20 races this year, you need a car that is good on all tracks, not just on fast tracks like Monza or city circuits like Monaco. I think if you want to fight against the others, and it’s very tight in the pack, you have to be competitive everywhere. We are going to try to develop the car and make it better in all areas, » explains the 24-year-old German.
