Formula One news
Michael: Hülkenberg following Hamilton-like path
03 November 2009Sam Michael sees perfect sense in the Williams driver line-up of Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hülkenberg for next season. As the test driver, GP2 Champion of 2009, steps up to the race team, he will be partnered by the most experienced man in the history of the sport, who makes the transfer from Brawn.
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| Germany's Hülkenberg makes the jump from GP2 |
With Barrichello believed to have signed for Wiliams perhaps a number of races before the end of the 2009 season, Technical Director Michael believes that the decision is complete logic. "We wanted to put someone quite experienced and strong - and a Grand Prix winner - next to Hülkenberg, so that he develops properly," the Australian explained to Reuters.
"We didn't want him to come in as a rookie and not have that support; he will get to look at someone who is a multiple Grand Prix winner, and at how they work, and how they blend the team around them and get the team to do the best job for them."
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| Sam Michael, Technical Director of Williams F1 |
Michael also revealed part of the process which Williams uses to select its new recruits ahead of its first fresh line-up for the first time in five years. "Inside Williams we have a big spreadsheet, which basically maps a driver's achievements from the age of eight, and the reference in that spreadsheet has been Lewis Hamilton because of what he did from eight years old to get into F1," Sam continued.
"Basically, Nico Hülkenberg has been on exactly the same path coming up, obviously through different countries. There's no point in putting a rookie in the car unless you think he can be a World Champion."
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