Nico Hulkenberg admits it will be difficult during the first few races to adjust to being back in a race seat having spent a year on the sidelines.
German driver admits team-mate may have an advantage at start
Nico Hulkenberg admits it will be difficult during the first few races to adjust to being back in a race seat having spent a year on the sidelines.
The 24-year-old German was dropped by Williams after his debut season in favour of Pastor Maldonado and spent 2011 as reserve driver with Force India.
Now having graduated to a race seat with the Silverstone based team, he's hoping the experience gained during 14 free practice runs, will mean Paul di Resta doesn't have an advantage for long.
"I think the 14 free practice sessions I drove in during 2011 kept me in the loop pretty well," Hulkenberg told the official
Formula One website.
"But as I said, if there's a deficit, then I will feel it more during qualifying or a race. During last week's test I had two good days with lots of running, which was important to build a good feeling for the car.
Disadvantage
"He's (di Resta) used to the procedure of a race weekend, DRS, KERS etc. and I will have to find my rhythm again first. But this disadvantage will probably be gone after a few races."
The German made his mark in the sport by taking Williams' first pole for five years at the 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, and is dreaming of more success this year. But he is not letting himself get carried away.
"Let's start with the real chances, as that's the easiest thing to answer. I think that we have a realistic chance of finishing fifth in the constructors' championship.
"It will definitely not be easy, but I'm sure it's possible.
"Now for the hopes - I hope for some rainy days and some messy races that will allow smaller teams like us to enjoy some surprising results.
"And finally, the dreams - it would have to be many more moments like Brazil 2010!"
Smoothly
Pre-season testing has gone pretty smoothly for Force India so far in 2012, with Paul di Resta's engine cover problems in Barcelona the only real issue for the team.
And Hulkenberg knows what a luxury not having technical gremlins is.
He added: "We didn't have any technical issues and could run and complete all the programmes we had planned. I know that's a big luxury with a new car.
"My impression is positive. We have had some good test days so far and are quite happy with how it went.
"Each day we have learnt more about our car and the new tyres, which is good because in this way we can address the issues and feed them back to the factory quickly."
