McLaren might still be interested in signing Nico Hulkenberg for 2014.<\/p>\n
After Korea, where the German driver impressed at the wheel of his formerly-uncompetitive Sauber, it was rumoured he had now moved into pole position to replace the Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus next year.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Hulkenberg was considered for the Ferrari seat, but the Italian team signed Kimi Raikkonen instead.<\/p>\n
It is believed Hulkenberg was also in the running at McLaren, where Sergio Perez’s place beyond 2013 remains in doubt.<\/p>\n
It is believed the Mexican has been given until this weekend’s Japanese grand prix to prove he should be retained.<\/p>\n
But quotes attributed to team boss Martin Whitmarsh in Korea suggested that the tall Hulkenberg, who stands at over six foot, would be too heavy for the 2014 McLaren.<\/p>\n
Lotus boss Eric Boullier, however, was quoted on Tuesday as insisting Hulkenberg’s weight, which is reportedly 74kg, does not rule him out of a seat for next year.<\/p>\n
Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport has now quoted Whitmarsh as insisting that he never ruled Hulkenberg out either.<\/p>\n
“I only said that, next year, drivers would be hard pressed to be over 80 kilos.<\/p>\n
“It’s others who interpreted this to mean I was talking about Hulkenberg,” said the McLaren boss.<\/p>\n
Auto Motor und Sport said Hulkenberg is in fact “not much bigger and heavier than Jenson Button”.<\/p>\n
Hulkenberg, meanwhile, has hinted that his size might also have contributed to Ferrari’s decision not to sign him for 2014.<\/p>\n
“Of course I was disappointed,” he is quoted by Speed Week, referring to the Italian team’s decision to sign Raikkonen instead.<\/p>\n
“But I have just as little influence over my body size, which is god-given and therefore not worthy of even discussing,” said Hulkenberg.<\/p>\n
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