'It's a special race for us'

Nico Hulk­enberg’s immediate focus is to win the elusive podium for Sahara Force India’s ‘proper’ home race at the Buddh International Circuit later this month even if he eventually decides to race for Sauber next year.

Hulkenberg goes into the October 26-28 Indian Grand Prix on a high, having performed impressively in the second half of the season.

Hulkenberg will be racing at BIC for the first time as he was a Force India reserve last year.

“As a team it is a very special race for us — the proper home race and one of the busiest races of the year. As a target we have to aim for some good points.” The last few races have shown the speed is there to do that and even get close to the podium,” Hulkenberg said.