ART confirm Hulkenberg for GP2

Hulkenberg has long been expected to step up within the ART ranks, and is pencilled in to contest two GP2 Asia rounds with the team this winter, but they have now announced that he will partner Pastor Maldonado for the main championship in 2009.

"ART Grand Prix and me, that sounds like a good combination to me," said Hulkenberg. "We know each other very well and we have worked great together so far.

"I had four days of testing with the team in the GP2 car and I feel comfortable with everything up to this point. Next year will be a tough one because GP2 is extremely competitive with great teams and great drivers, but I think we have a good package ourselves."

But Hulkenberg believes it will be difficult for him to challenge for the title in his first season in the series.

"Some tracks I don't know and the single practice session every round is very short, but we have to set our target high," he said. "We might not be able to fight for the podium in the very beginning, but it is my aim - as well as the team's - to climb up there and try to get a win or two."

ART boss Frederic Vasseur added: "There is no need to give the reasons that convinced us to continue our collaboration with Nico, his records speak for themselves!

"He is a fast and talented driver but also a young man who is very well balanced. He has strong race intelligence
and positive human relationships.

"With Nico and Pastor, ART Grand Prix's aim will be to return to the place that was ours in 2005 and 2006, champions."