Sebastian Vettel says he has "massive respect" for Nico Hulkenberg's achievements at Le Mans this year.
Hulkenberg became the first active F1 driver to win the Le Mans 24 Hours in over 20 years when he triumphed on his Le Mans debut for Porsche in June. The Force India driver has now been confirmed as Vettel's team-mate for Team Germany at this year's Race of Champions, and Vettel says he is an excellent replacement for the absent Michael Schumacher.
“It’s obviously very sad that Michael can’t join us again but in his absence it’s great to have Nico as a partner on Team Germany this year," Vettel said. "I have massive respect for what he did in the Le Mans 24 Hours – to win it on his first attempt is very impressive. That’s a great race to watch because the race is long yet they race flat out from the first lap for the whole of the race.
"The Race Of Champions is at the other end of the scale in terms of distance but I can assure Nico we push just as hard!”
Race of Champions president Fredrik Johnsson says Hulkenberg has only had to wait so long to make his debut due to Schumacher's performances at the event in the past.
“Nico’s win on his Le Mans debut shows what an outstanding driver he is, but Formula 1 fans have known that for years," Johnsson said. "He has a winning record going back throughout his career and he consistently makes the most of whatever equipment he has. Now we are delighted to offer Nico a chance to show what he can really do in ROC’s range of identical machinery.
“If Nico was from any other country he would have made his ROC debut long before now, but of course Team Germany has long been about Michael and Seb. Everyone at ROC is sad that Michael will be missing as he continues his recuperation from his skiing accident but Nico is a first-rate replacement. Now we hope to fill out London’s former Olympic Stadium so as many race fans as possible can enjoy all the action as we find out if Nico and Seb can take their country back to the top.”
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