Hulkenberg says no Le Mans 'in foreseeable future'

Jun.16 (GMM) Nico Hulkenberg does not think he will be returning to Le Mans in "the foreseeable future".

Despite racing full-time in F1, the German is actually the fabled 24 hour endurance race's reigning winner, having won for Porsche this time last year.

But Hulkenberg cannot rejoin his Porsche teammates this weekend because Le Mans controversially clashes with the inaugural grand prix in Baku.

Asked if he wants to return to Le Mans, Hulkenberg told Germany's Auto Bild: "Definitely.

"Firstly, winning is always cool -- it's why I became a racing driver. But to do it with a big project and a brand like Porsche was mega-exciting.

"After my time in formula one I definitely want to go there and do it again. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be the case in the foreseeable future that I will be able to do both (series) in parallel," Hulkenberg added.

Perhaps that has something to do with his current situation in F1, where despite being highly rated by most, he is currently being outshone by his teammate Sergio Perez.

Asked if the Mexican has surprised him, Hulkenberg answered: "Not really. Already in the second half of last year he was very consistent.

"But my season until Monaco had a lot of bad luck. I had so many problems -- not just in the race but also qualifying, and many things that are known only within the team."

Perez is now linked with a move to Ferrari while a cursory look at Hulkenberg's situation shows that the momentum of his career may have stalled.

But Hulkenberg insisted: "What is important is that within the team everything is ok and the decision-makers in the paddock know what is happening.

"Sure, when it comes to how you look more generally it's not always ideal, but sometimes you just have to swallow the pill of bad luck."

Asked if he made the right choice in pledging his future to Force India last year, the 28-year-old said: "Yes, definitely.

"Since Barcelona we made a really big step forward with the update and now we are very well positioned for the rest of the season."