Hulkenberg in action with Aston Martin in Budapest

Nico Hulkenberg will return to the wheel of an F1 car this week at the Hungaroring as part of Aston Martin's contribution to Pirelli's 2023 tyre testing programme.

The test will kick off on Tuesday with Lance Stroll, with Hulkenberg – Aston's official reserve driver – taking over duties on Wednesday.

Hulkenberg last raced full-time in Formula 1 in 2019 with the Renault team, but in 2020 the 34-year-old substituted for Racing Point's Sergio Perez at Silverstone and for Stroll at the Nürburgring when the two were sidelined due to Covid.

Read also:

Hulkenberg was also called upon by the Silverstone-based outfit at the start of this year, to fill in for Sebastian Vettel in Bahrain and in Saudi Arabia when the German driver was hit with a bout of coronavirus.

This week's test in Budapest will reportedly also include the Mercedes team although the Brackley squad has not confirmed its driver line-up.

Pirelli 2023 test programme - which is conducted with F1's current-spec cars - has been spread over 18 days this year.

However, the Italian manufacturer has struggled to put together its calendar of test days due to the number of back-to-back races on F1's schedule.

Logistically, Pirelli can't handle a mid-week test between two races held on consecutive weekends, which restricted teams from running at Barcelona or Silverstone after the Spanish and British GPs.

Pirelli's next and final tyre test will take place with Red Bull Racing at Monza on September 13, right after the Italian Grand Prix.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Five years on: Grosjean reunites with fiery Bahrain GP helmet

Many F1 drivers have stared danger in the face, but few moments in the sport’s…

6 hours ago

Before Shelby's days of taming the Cobra

Carroll Shelby was born on this day in 1923, and while the great Texan is…

8 hours ago

Cassidy stands tall in Mexico City – and so does Citroën

Nick Cassidy delivered to Citroen Racing its maiden ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in…

9 hours ago

Alpine to give Colapinto ‘all the support he needs’ to deliver in F1

Franco Colapinto endured a tough season with Alpine in 2025, but inside Enstone the message…

9 hours ago

The long game: Williams still building as Vowles looks beyond 2026

As Williams continues its steady ascent under the leadership of James Vowles, the Grove-based outfit…

11 hours ago

Audi’s Wheatley thought team principal role in F1 was ‘unattainable’

In the world of Formula 1, where career ladders are often climbed with ruthless ambition,…

12 hours ago