New Delhi: A day after his return to Sahara Force India, Nico Hulkenberg insisted on doing a good 'homework' before the 2014 season, which will mark beginning of a new era in Formula One due to change in regulations.
From 2014, F1 will have new regulations in place with the return of turbocharged engines for the first time since 1988. The new engines will be a 1.6 litre V6 format, replacing the 2.4 litre V8 engine configuration, used between 2006-2013. The engines will be limited to 15,000rpm and engine units must last for at least 4,000 km before being replaced. Earlier, engined were required to last for just 2,000 km.
Hulkenberg, who raced for Force India's closest mid-field rival Sauber in 2013, said he and the team were aiming to get better results. "There are a lot of questions because we are entering a new era of Formula One and the regulations change quite drastically next year. All we can do is make sure we do our homework very well and hope we are doing the right things."
"The aim is always to get better. So much is changing and it's impossible for anyone to predict what will happen next year. We should concentrate on ourselves and make sure we do our homework. Have to wait and see how competitive we are next year. Won't know until after the first couple of races," the German racer said in a teleconference.
Hulkenberg was earlier tipped to move to Lotus, where Pastor Maldonado eventually replaced Kimi Raikkonnen, but the deal could not materialise. The German said the Indian team wanted him back so this was the best option for him.
"I'm excited to be back. It's a team I know very well. I've spent two years here before in 2011 and 2012, which will help me adapt back to the team quickly. Still a lot of people who I know from my time here. We have high aims together for next year. I hope we can meet those expectations.
"During the later stages of the year (2013) I needed to make a decision on my future. Sahara Force India was able to give me the answers and the information I needed and wanted, different to other teams and I also really felt that they wanted me back and that they were pushing to have me back, so I made the decision to come back," he said.
Force India are yet to announce their second driver but it is being speculated that Adrian Sutil will move to Sauber and Sergio Perez will join the side, leaving Paul di Resta without a racing seat in 2014.
Comments
0 comment