Hülkenberg announced as Aston Martin reserve driver

Aston Martin has signed Nico Hülkenberg as its official reserve and development driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

After failing to secure a drive last year, Hülkenberg deputised on three occasions for Racing Point, making two race starts after drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll were taken ill with Covid-19.

The German raced with the team previously between 2012-16 in a career encompassing 176 race starts.

Hülkenberg said: “First of all, it’s great to get this deal signed up with plenty of notice – last year, I didn’t have quite as much time to prepare before jumping in the car!

"I’m really pleased to once again work with this team – with whom I have driven many times during my career. Obviously, I’m hoping that Sebastian and Lance enjoy uninterrupted seasons this year, but the team knows it can rely on me to step in and do an excellent job, and I’m fully prepared to take on that challenge.

"It will also be interesting to help develop the team through the season, and I’m really looking forward to pulling great lap-times out of my arm sleeve."

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer added he is "delighted" to once again have Hülkenberg as part of the team.

He added: "In these difficult times, the requirement for a capable and experienced reserve driver is especially important.

"Nico proved last year that he could jump in the car and perform superbly at a moment’s notice; now, with additional scope for preparation and integration, we know that we can rely on Nico to do an excellent job.”

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