Hulkenberg eyes Williams role

Nico Hulkenberg

(GMM) Nico Hulkenberg is hoping to turn his Williams test into a more regular role in formula one, his manager on Tuesday confirmed.

The 20-year-old German, who impressed not only by winning the 2006-7 A1 Grand Prix title but also with his third in the F3 Euro Series this year, will make his F1 test debut with Williams over two days this week at Jerez.

Hulkenberg is expected to stay in the F3 category in 2008, but his Williams link now makes him a strong candidate to succeed Kazuki Nakajima as the Grove team's official test and reserve driver.

His famous manager Willi Weber, who guided Michael Schumacher's ultra successful career, confirmed that Hulkenberg intends to try to use the Williams opportunity as a door into motor racing's highest category.

"I hope that he continues with Williams after the test in Jerez," Weber, who is 65, told the German news agency SID.

Hulkenberg is scheduled to drive on Tuesday and Wednesday; the opening two days of the last test of 2007.

Meanwhile, Weber's former charge, Ralf Schumacher, is testing for the Force India team at Jerez this week. The German veteran is expected to appear for a full day's running on Wednesday.