Jan.27 (GMM) 2011 for Nico Hulkenberg will be about staying on the radar ahead of returning to a race cockpit next year.

That is the claim of the 23-year-old German's famous manager Willi Weber, who has secured his charge the third role at Force India.

Hulkenberg had a solid rookie season for Williams, including pole position in Brazil, but the British team has instead signed Pastor Maldonado for 2011.

Auto Motor und Sport claims that new GP2 champion Maldonado is bringing EUR 30 million to the Oxfordshire based team.

"In formula one, money rules," Force India race driver Adrian Sutil, who takes a sponsor to the team in the form of computer brand Medion, is quoted by Auto Bild Motorsport.

Said Hulkenberg's manager Weber: "Of course I would rather have seen Nico in a racing cockpit, but I'm glad that at least with Force India he has the foot in the door."

Force India confirmed that Hulkenberg has signed longer than just a one-year contract.

"Now it's about him doing a good job as test driver so that in 2012 he is back racing," added Weber, according to the SID news agency.

Auto Motor und Sport said Hulkenberg's new role will involve driving on the Friday mornings at grands prix.

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