Reid hopes to slash points deficit

New Zealand are currently 30 points behind the German team, which has dominated the three events of 2007 so far, as Hulkenberg has taken double victories each time.

However, the 19-year-old will miss this weekend's race in Mexico City due to clashing Formula Three commitments, and he will be replaced by rookie driver Christian Vietoris.

Matt Halliday replaced Reid for the last event in South Africa due to his track experience, but Reid is now hoping that he can bring the team back into contention for the title.

"Nico has done all of the driving for Germany this season, so there's been minimal time in the car for Christian," said Reid, who took a double victory in Indonesia in December.

"Regardless of how well he goes, we won't be giving up. The points margin is more than we'd like, but hopefully we can close the gap."

Reid also feels that it is better for the team to keep focusing on themselves rather than the championship table.

"My approach hasn't changed, it's all about winning races," he said. "If we get caught up in concentrating on Germany we could risk France and Great Britain closing in on us."