Nico Hulkenberg officially joins Renault
- Published on 14 Oct 2016 13:49
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- By: Dominik Wilde
Renault have finally confirmed the singing of Nico Hulkenberg.
One of the most talked-about moves looked to finally be close to completion after Force India confirmed the German was leaving the team this morning, and now Renault have followed, announcing that the former Williams and Sauber driver will join the Enstone squad "as part of a multi-year deal".
"I’m very happy to join Renault Sport Formula One Team in 2017," said Hulkenberg. "Renault has always been a big player in the motorsport world that brings up incredible memories: in his stint with Renault (with Benetton), Michael Schumacher not only helped make Germany an F1 nation, he also sparked my enthusiasm and fire for racing. As a part of the Renault family, I want to develop the car and write new success stories."
"It has always been my dream to work for a manufacturer team. F1’s new regulations will change the game and give our team a good opportunity," he added. "In the years to come, Renault will play a challenger role, which fits my approach to racing 100%. I can’t wait to become part of the family."
Renaul Sport Racing chairman Jérôme Stoll said that Hulkenberg's signing was the latest stage in a long plan for the French manufacturer.
"2017 will be the second season of Groupe Renault’s return as a manufacturer entry in Formula One and the next step in our journey. This season has been about putting the foundations in place for future success," said Stoll. "For our next step we required an experienced driver who is still hungry for podiums. Nico Hülkenberg fulfils this role perfectly and is an excellent complement to what we want to achieve."
"He is a highly talented, dedicated and motivated driver," he continued. "Nico will enable us to harness all the hard work completed this season and translate it to improved results on track in 2017 and beyond. We look forward to seeing him in our new car for 2017."
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Replies (7)
Login to replyJutlandia
Posts: 191
Wonder who's gonna have the other seat
ianf1
Posts: 185
Not Palmer...
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, it looks more and more like Palmer wont race for them next year, so my bets are on either K-Mag, Ocon or some other French (most likely young) driver.
Kennie
Posts: 2,686
@Calle.itw I think you are right, but I also think Renault waits for Bottas, he is still negotiating with Williams for next year. Williams want him for another two years and Bottas only one.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
He is? I thought they had signed. Pretty interesting, and you are right, if that is the case they could very well be waiting for him. Though Im pretty sure Bottas will remain over at Williams, it makes sense for him to stay there.
Jutlandia
Posts: 191
Still i don't quite understand Renault for choosing Hulk. He has been beaten by Checo for the last 2 years. I think that Bottas is more fit as a 1. driver to develop a new car.
Kennie
Posts: 2,686
@calle.itw Yes, Williams is officially without any drivers for next year. But they want Bottas and probably Stroll. So we have to wait and see what happens. I think that Bottas and Hülkenberg would be a very strong pair for Renault. Both drivers who has a long term with Williams and Force India and are greedy to show their potential with a truely factory backed team.
@Jutlandia Yes Hulkenberg is behind Checo in the drivers standing and was beaten last year as well. But Perez was beaten by Hülkenberg in their first year 96 to 59 and this year Hülkenberg was a bit unlucky with two start crashes in Singapore and Russia so he could be closer. Also, Checo has a lot of sponsors and Renault doesn't really need them. FI needs them a lot more.