Nico Hülkenberg is to join Renault next season after agreeing to "a release from his contract with Force India," according to Andrew Benson of the BBC. The German, 29, "has been chosen to lead Renault's team" as it builds up to competitiveness following its return to F1 as a "factory entry" this year. Hülkenberg said that he was "very happy" to be joining the team, adding that it had "always been a dream" to work for a manufacturer team. Renault is "also interested in Williams driver Valtteri Bottas, who is in salary negotiations with his current team." Force India, for whom Hülkenberg has driven for five years across two spells, said that it respects his desire to "explore fresh opportunities" with co-Owner Vijay Mallya adding, "It would be wrong to stand in his way" (BBC, 10/14). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin reported Renault, which "bought the failing Lotus team at the end of last year," is struggling in ninth place but -- as former champions with strong resources -- "can be expected to become far more competitive." Renault's engine "has powered Red Bull to two victories this season." Renault Sport Racing Chair Jerome Stoll said, "This season has been about putting the foundations in place for future success. For our next step we required an experienced driver who is still hungry for podiums. Nico Hülkenberg fulfills this role perfectly and is an excellent complement to what we want to achieve" (REUTERS, 10/15).
