Official driver for Force India in Formula One, Hülkenberg made a convincing display of speed at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, generally regarded as a dress rehearsal for the Le Mans 24 Hours. His excellent performance in the third practice session was only bettered in the closing stages by André Lotterer with Audi. As he gets ready for his first attempt at the French 24-hour marathon, Hülkenberg talks to us about ten aspects of his endurance racing experience.

The opportunity to make history: When I got the opportunity, I took it with no hesitation after receiving permission from Force India to do so. Considering history and heritage, being a Porsche driver at Le Mans is unique. That said, I don't think about history all the time, I am also here to get the job done.
 

From Formula One to endurance: Both endurance racing and Formula One are about the highest technology, both are quite similar and attractive from that point of view.
 

Sharing the car with Earl Bamber and Nic Tandy: The Porsche 919 Hybrid is both mine and my teammates'.
 

Getting used to the car: I don't know exactly how much time I spent in the 919 Hybrid, but it was enough for me to get comfortable in the car.
 

Learning endurance: I am still learning every time I get in the car. I think I am not at the end of my learning curve.
 

Night driving: I drove at night in testing at Le Castellet and Bahrain and I really enjoyed it. It is a totally different atmosphere, in the darkness you only have the car's headlights and yourself.
 

Traffic: "Traffic in endurance racing is something I am looking forward to, because it is an important factor you can make a difference with.
 

A third Porsche 919 Hybrid: It is a huge challenge for Porsche to bring a third car to Le Mans, there was maximum pressure for everybody in the factory. The schedule was tight within the past few weeks, but everyone did a fantastic job.
 

Driving the circuit on the simulator: You cannot simulate the traffic so there is always something missing compared to the real thing. But it was a great experience anyway.

En route for the Mans 24-hours: The target will be to have fun and do the best possible job for Porsche and for myself. I have no experience there and I know it will be tough.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO             Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SUNDAY MAY 31, 2015, TEST DAY. With Nico Hulkenberg at the wheel, the third 919 Hybrid rapidly made its way in the overall top 3 of the Test Day.