Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg has expressed his disappointment regarding the recently announced 2016 Formula One calendar which sees the 2016 European Grand Prix clashing with the 24 hours of Le Mans.
After winning the legendary 24h of Le Mans with Porsche earlier this year, Nico Hulkenberg was on the German manufacturer’s drivers list for 2016, before a late change on the Formula One calendar forced a change of plans.
After a surprising win this year with the German manufacturer on the famous La Sarthe circuit, the Force India driver was looking forward to a second run at the endurance event.
The German driver was clearly disappointed after the confirmation of the calendar changes, as he explained to crash.net.
“For sure it would have been nice to go there again. Having said that it would have been a very busy year with 21 races, plus testing – it is also a big challenge. I was thinking as well, ‘is it still possible?’ [However], it is good to do both and I think I would have done it again.
Nevertheless, hope is not yet lost, as Hulkenberg believes that there will be more changes to the 2016 calendar which may allow him to race after all.
“The calendar is there now and is out. But we know often it is out and it still gets changed a little bit afterwards. There will be a cut-off point for them as well when they have to confirm their drivers, but I think there is still some time.
“I think it is not enough to have a word with someone. There are obviously other interests and reasons to do it for the FIA and the promoter. I think even if you speak to them, it is probably not much interest for them.”
