Nico Hulkenberg disappointed calendar clash set to prevent 2016 Le Mans visit
Force India driver won the 24-hour classic in June with Porsche
Thursday 15 October 2015 11:27, UK
Nico Hulkenberg admitted he is disappointed that the 2016 F1 calendar looks set to prevent him trying to repeat this year’s Le Mans victory with Porsche.
The German broke off from his F1 commitments with Force India to win the classic 24-hour endurance race at the first attempt in June.
However, it looks like Hulkenberg will be unable to pay a return visit next year after the FIA released a revised draft calendar that placed the new European GP in Azerbaijan on the same weekend.
Hulkenberg had planned to race at Le Mans again and although he hopes the final calendar - which looks set to include 21 races, more than any season in F1 history - can still be changed, he isn't optimistic.
"It's something out of my hands, out of my control. We'll just have to go with what they decide and accept it I'm afraid," he said at the Russian GP.
"There'll be a certain cut-off point. The calendar is there now but it can still get changed a little bit afterwards. There will be a cut-off point for [Porsche] as well, where they have to confirm their drivers, but I think there is still some time.
"For sure, it would have been nice to go there again. Having said that it would have been a very busy year, 21 races, plus testing, plus two races is also a big challenge.
"I was thinking as well 'is it still possible?' and 'is it good to do both?', but I think I would have done it again."
Hulkenberg said he wouldn't miss a grand prix to race at Le Mans and, having also competed in the Spa six-hour race in May, added that there would be "no point" doing other WEC events.
"I'm committed to do Formula 1. That's my main job, my main target is here," he added.
"Spa was only there to have a preparation race for Le Mans. If you don't do Le Mans, there's no point to do the rest of it either."
