Nico Hûlkenberg: winter testing are not like the racing weekend

The 2013 season will be the third for Niko Hulkenberg in the Formula 1, and the third time he went to another team. The transition from Force India to Sauber many were surprised, because it is believed that they are approximately equal in their capabilities. However, the German is confident he made the right choice. . .
Q: Nico, change usually occurs in the hope of some improvement. Your hopes still justified?
Niko Hulkenberg: Yes, I'm happy with my team. Considering the fact, of course, that the season has not started yet, and we had only two test sessions. Ask this question after a few races, then I will be much easier to answer. But now I have the feeling that I made the right decision. It will do me good.
Question: Sauber proud of the fact that the team has always been and remains an attractive destination for racers, they in her come. So, apparently, the initiative came from you. What do you expect?
Niko Hulkenberg: Perhaps it's not the whole truth (laughs). Of course, racers are always trying to find a way to progress, to move forward on the career ladder. So you have to find the opportunities and inch by inch closer to his goal. This is the basis of success: work on yourself and choose the best opportunities.
Question: You ran C32 a total of four days, this machine is able to bring you closer to achieving the goals?
Niko Hulkenberg: Winter is the only time of year when riders in the answer to this question is really telling the truth: honestly, I don't know. I am pleased with their feelings and behavior of the car - with the difference that there is always something to strive for. However, in saying this, I do not represent our best position in the standings and I doubt that someone of my colleagues willing to give a clearer picture.
The winter tests, it is something quite similar to racing weekend: here are all working on their software, and try to understand how the machine responds as it is combined with different compounds of tyres and behaves with different amount of fuel in the tank. Lap time when this is not so important - it is important to eliminate errors. During race weekend, all on the contrary: all of the work on Friday, and on Saturday morning aims to drive in qualifying one quick circle.
Question: it Seems that you had some problems with too large size feet for C32. What exactly was the problem and have it solved?
Niko Hulkenberg: Yes, the media has overblown the story. Actually the problem was just that in Jerez I had no shoes required size, that's all. Now the shoes fit, and everything is in order. It turns me into Cinderella Formula 1? Only someone who has the "right" size of his feet, waiting for the happy ending? Who knows? I love stories - I just wonder who plays the role of the evil stepmother... (laughs)
Question: what do you see opportunities to improve machine? Does it have the potential to repeat the podium finishes in 2012?
Niko Hulkenberg: I definitely feel the potential. But what place he will take on the starting grid, I don't know. The Melbourne show.
Question: What do you do on the tests? For you, this is a new team, a new mentality, a new machine...
Niko Hulkenberg: These four days have gone well. Sauber - not a British team, that's for sure. This is a team with well-developed multicultural traditions, and this is interesting. But from a professional point of view almost everywhere everyone's doing the same. So the language may be different, but I see you about the same, whether it is a Swiss Hinwil or British Silverstone. It is convenient (laughs).
Question: Looking at the results of other machines, you notice someone who looks better than others? And as compared to it looks C32?
Niko Hulkenberg: Let me tell you a secret. For all these four days I saw almost no other cars on the track. From what I learned in Jerez and realized from talking machine Red Bull again looks competitive. As we look at their background? I have no idea.
Question: Many people believe that this year the competition will be even higher than in the past, due to the stability of the regulations. It can be assumed that as a result of the skill of the racer will play an even more important role. You think it will give you an advantage?
Niko Hulkenberg: I don't know. Let us recall 2012: the results were very tight, lose one-tenth could mean losing five places at the start, so I can hardly imagine what could be worse (laughs). Of course, the rider is always in some degree, the team wins or loses, but things can get and this way and that. Of course, I hope that in my case everything will develop in the right direction!
Question: How do you get along with your team? You already moved to Switzerland?
Niko Hulkenberg: I already moved to Switzerland. Well, that around Zurich is home to many riders, so there are lots of familiar faces. It creates a homely atmosphere.
Question: briefly, how was your Thursday? You have only two test days before the Melbourne...
Niko Hulkenberg: In the morning we experienced an aerodynamic elements and collected data, not paying attention to the time on the range. Before lunch I tried a soft part of the tire, and the second half of the day focused on the long series.
Question: as long as you don't advocate a "big" team, but your professional reputation is growing. When there will be a real breakthrough?
Niko Hulkenberg: It will never know. Such a breakthrough can be achieved here in the Sauber. Last year the team had four podium, so who knows? I want to compete in the Formula 1 and to succeed in the long term, but I have no schedule, where it would be painted that in two years I should do this or that. Everyone lives their lives, sometimes things go on as usual, and sometimes not, so you must be ready to adjust goals.
Question: What are the results this year will satisfy you?
Niko Hulkenberg: To call a specific position is not possible, because the season hasn't started yet. Last year I was a bit not enough to achieve your goal is to get into the top ten in the individual competition. I thought it would be cool, even though the task is not the most ambitious (laughs). I want to be happy with yourself to know that you made the most of their opportunities and their car.