Hulkenberg hopes for 2010 F1 debut

Nico Hulkenberg

(GMM) Williams test driver Nico Hulkenberg is hoping to make his formula one race debut in 2010.

The 21-year-old German, the latest protégé of Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber, joined the Grove team last year, having risen to prominence as an A1 GP champion.

He is the reigning F3 Euroseries champion, and in 2009 is stepping up to the F1 feeder series GP2.

Williams' growing faith in the youngster was demonstrated when he recently gave the team's new FW31 its track debut in Portugal, and he aims to continue to impress this year.

"I hope they turn to me if a place becomes available," Hulkenberg told the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell.

It is suggested that Weber has already negotiated a preliminary agreement that would pave the way for Hulkenberg to make his grand prix debut with Williams next year.

"That is absolutely my personal goal," he said, albeit admitting that the even tighter test restrictions in 2009 will limit his F1 mileage.

"Last year I drove ten days, this year there will be probably no more than five. But the team already knows from last year how I drive."