Head: Hulkenberg deserves F1 place

Williams is currently evaluating its driver plans for 2011, with it considering slotting in a pay driver alongside Rubens Barrichello for next season. GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado, who is believed to have good sponsorship behind him, has been strongly linked with the seat.

And although co-owner Patrick Head made it clear that no decision has been made about its drivers - and the final call will be made by the Williams board - he says that Hulkenberg's talent is not in question.

"I think Nico has already done sufficient both before he entered F1 and since being in F1 to support the view that he is a justified driver within the justified drivers in F1," said Head in Korea.

But despite his feelings about Hulkenberg's potential, Head said that he would not be the man who made the final call on drivers.

"You would have to ask Mr. [Adam] Parr about that, who is back in England, I cannot help you on any part like that," he said.

"It is terrible to hide behind a board, but these things will be debated and are being debated in the Williams board.

"At the moment we are not in a position where we are making any final decisions. I know it sounds very superior to say so, but when we are ready we will be saying what we are doing, and not before then."