Hulkenberg calm about F1 future

Williams has stalled on finalising its 2011 line-up, with sources suggesting that the outfit is evaluating the commercial benefits of taking a well-sponsored driver as team-mate to Rubens Barrichello.

GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado, who has extensive backing from Venezuela, has already been linked with taking Hulkenberg's place for next season.

Williams CEO Adam Parr refused to talk about the driver situation at the Japanese Grand Prix, as he hinted that the matter was totally up in the air.

"I cannot go into that," he said when asked about what was holding up the driver announcement. "We haven't announced it yet and I don't think this is the moment to do that."

Hulkenberg himself, who has made some good progress during his rookie F1 campaign, is calm about the situation and said he was keen to remain at Williams if it was possible.

When asked if he was disturbed by Parr's comments, Hulkenberg said: "Not at all. It is a situation that, if I continue my career, I will probably come across again. I am pretty okay with it. I am doing my job here and confident with what I do, and that is all I can do.

"I want to stay with this team for sure. I have good hopes in them. I think they can build a competitive car next season, and the situation is nice here.

"I feel comfortable with the team, the people and my team-mate Rubens, and I hope I can continue here."