Nico Hulkenberg will drive a Formula 1 car again this week as he takes part in a Pirelli tyre test at the Hungaroring.
While most of the rest of the paddock are already enjoying their summer break, Aston Martin have stayed in Budapest for two days of running. Lance Stroll will drive on Tuesday, with Hulkenberg getting behind the wheel on Wednesday in place of Sebastian Vettel.
The German has been without a permanent seat in the sport since 2019 when his Renault contract expired. Since then, appearances have come few and far between with his chances limited to whenever a driver at Aston Martin has not been able to race.
Hulkenberg has appeared in two Grands Prix this year, after Vettel tested positive for Covid in March. He was unable to take part in the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, so his compatriot took his place.
He finished above regular driver Stroll in both, but still failed to score any points. Vettel then returned to action in Australia and Hulkenberg moved back to his ongoing role as a reserve and development driver.
If the 34-year-old had any hope of being promoted to a full-time role in the wake of Vettel's retirement announcement, he was soon given a reality check. Aston Martin wasted little time in confirming they would replace one veteran with another in the form of Fernando Alonso.
The Spaniard's move from Alpine was a shock, given he looked settled with the team he returned to after a short hiatus from F1. "This Aston Martin team is clearly applying the energy and commitment to win, and it is therefore one of the most exciting teams in Formula 1 today," the 41-year-old explained.
"I have known [owner Lawrence Stroll] and Lance for many years and it is very obvious that they have the ambition and passion to succeed in Formula 1. I have watched as the team has systematically attracted great people with winning pedigrees, and I have become aware of the huge commitment to new facilities and resources at Silverstone.
"No-one in Formula 1 today is demonstrating a greater vision and absolute commitment to winning, and that makes it a really exciting opportunity for me."
