Nico Hulkenberg to test for Aston Martin with Lance Stroll at Budapest ahead of the F1 summer break

Nico Hulkenberg will drive a Formula 1 car once more this week at the Hungaroring for a Pirelli tyre test. While the remainder of the paddock is already on vacation, Aston Martin has stayed in Budapest for two days of testing. Lance Stroll will drive on Tuesday, with Nico Hulkenberg taking over for Sebastian Vettel on Wednesday.

Since his Renault deal ended in 2019, the German has been without a permanent seat in the motorsport. Since then, his appearances have been sparse and few between, with his possibilities restricted to whenever an Aston Martin driver has been unable to race. After 4-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel tested positive for Covid in March, Hulkenberg has competed in two Grands Prix this year. He was unable to compete in the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, so Hulkenberg substituted for him.

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Could this be a solid chance for Nico Hulkenberg?

He finished ahead of works driver Stroll in both, but did not score any points. Vettel then decided to return to action in Australia, while Hulkenberg resumed his position as a reserve and development driver. If the 34-year-old had any hopes of being appointed to a full-time position following Vettel’s decision to retire, he was quickly dashed. Aston Martin did not delay in confirming that 2-time Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso would replace one veteran with another.

The Spaniard’s departure from Alpine came as a surprise, as he appeared fixed with the team he rejoined after a brief absence from F1. “This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 today,” said the Spaniard.

NEWS: @lance_stroll [Tuesday] and @HulkHulkenberg [Wednesday] will be at the wheel of the AMR22 for this week's @pirellisport tyre test at the Hungaroring. #F1 pic.twitter.com/HPFYqvBHa1

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 1, 2022

“I have known [owner Lawrence Stroll] and Lance for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula 1. I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone. No-one in Formula 1 today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me,” concluded Alonso.

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