Nico Hulkenberg silent on speculation that he has signed with Sauber

Appearing in public for the future time since it emerged that the German had signed a deal with Sauber, Hulkenberg did not wish to divulge anything about his plans for 2013.

"I know there is lots of talk about my future, but at this point I don't want to comment on the speculation," he explained.

"I want to focus on this weekend, which is the most important thing."

When asked if his plans were 'settled' for next year, Hulkenberg responded with a smile: "No comment."

Hulkenberg will replace Sergio Perez at Sauber next year, although it is not clear yet who his team-mate will be - with Esteban Gutierrez, Jaime Alguersuari, Charles Pic and Kamui Kobayashi all among the candidates.

Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn refused to comment on the Hulkenberg deal.

"We have not announced our driver line-up, so I cannot tell you anymore on that right now," Kaltenborn told AUTOSPORT when asked to comment.

"We have said [we will announce our drivers] during the season and the season is getting short, so you will not have to wait that long.

"It won't be on the last day, that you can rest assured of."