25/07/2013
NEWS STORY
Nico Hulkenberg has dismissed speculation that he is on the verge of walking away from Sauber.
While it has been clear for some time that the German made the wrong move in leaving Force India for the Swiss squad, his decision was all the more frustrating when it became clear the Hinwil outfit was one of several in financial difficulty. Indeed, shortly before the German Grand Prix team boss Monisha Kaltenborn added fuel to the fire when she assured the media that the team would see out the 2013 season.
As rumours swirled there was talk that Hulkenberg has yet to be paid this year leading to talk that the German was free to leave the team at whim.
Despite the Russian deal that has reportedly saved the team, there has been continued speculation regarding Hulkenberg's future at Hinwil, and only yesterday news that Robert Frijns had been dropped by his GP2 team led to speculation that he was to replace the German.
However, speaking at a Sauber press conference, Hulkenberg was at pains to dismiss such talk. "It's rubbish," he told reporters.
"They make me laugh, make me smile," he continued, "I read it on my Twitter page where people can write to me. A bunch of people were having a discussion and I was thinking: 'Where has that come from?'"
Asked about the Russian deal, he said: "Fresh support, strong partners and especially cash, which as we know is very powerful and important in Formula One to move forward and develop. It's a good sign. I've not been involved with the deal. I don't know all the details, you will have to ask the management or Monisha. But as far as I've been told, and am concerned, it is good."
The recent press release, referred to Russian youngster, 17-year-old Sergey Sirotkin, son of the head of the National Institute of Aviation Technologies, one of the Swiss team's new partners, claiming that he was to race for the team in 2014. Asked how he felt about such a move - Sirotkin would become the youngest ever driver in the history of the sport and with little to show in the way of a career path - Hulkenberg admitted that he was sceptical.
"Me, I wasn't ready for Formula One at that point," he said. "It is ambitious, maybe a bit risky, but it's not my decision."
Asked how Sirotkin might prepare for the move, the German said: "He will keep on racing in Formula Renault, beyond that he could do lots of simulator running, but that isn't real life. And Sauber does not have a simulator so that is not an option."
While avoiding the thorny issue of whether he has been paid for this year, Hulkenberg was giving little away in terms of 2014.
"I'm looking at all my options," he said, "but I haven't decided yet or done anything. Making a decision is a bit further down the line, but I'm talking to people, including Sauber."
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