Hulkenberg returns to Force India

After being so close to joining Ferrari and Lotus during the season Nico Hulkenberg has now elected to return to Force India.

Hulkenberg had been in line to replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari for next season had Kimi Raikkonen not made the decision to leave Lotus, to return to the team that gave him his only F1 title.

The German driver, who remains highly rated in the paddock, had then been the first choice option for the vacant Lotus seat. But with the Quantum Motorsports deal dragging on Lotus didn’t want to give up on the chance of the investment that signing Pastor Maldonado brings to the team. So, Lotus opted to blink first securing Venezuelan Maldonado and the reported £30million-a-season in sponsorship from state oil company PDVSA.

With Maldonado taking the Lotus drive, that left Hulkenberg with an option to stick or twist.

Last season he made the decision to quit Force India and make the move to Sauber to replace Sergio Perez, this season he has chose to quit Sauber for Force India and could well be lining up alongside Perez after he left McLaren after just one season.

Hulkenberg’s contract is a multi-year deal, although it is thought that the German will have secured some get out clauses if a drive at the likes of Ferrari come about beyond 2014.

‘I know this team and I can see their determination. We all share the same hunger for success.’ Hulkenberg told the BBC.

‘The team is aiming high for next year and I believe that the experience I have gained over the years will help us achieve those goals.

‘I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the Mercedes engine as well, so I think there is a lot to be excited about for next year.’

While Force India are yet to announce their second driver, it is expected to be Mexican Sergio Perez.

That would leave Adrian Sutil to make the move in the opposite direction to Sauber, whilst British driver Paul Di Resta will lose his place amongst the F1 grid and is likely to move to the American Indy Car Series.