BARCELONA, Spain - Fernando Alonso has named Nico Hulkenberg as one of the very best drivers in F1 today.
Before German Hulkenberg won Le Mans on debut at the weekend, the Spanish broadcaster Antena 3 had asked Alonso to nominate his top-three drivers on the grid.
"He chose (Lewis) Hamilton, Hulkenberg, and after thinking some more, (Daniel) Ricciardo," read a report in Spain's El Confidencial.
HULKENBERG DESERVES BETTER
Alonso - whilst controversially excluding Sebastian Vettel - is not alone in rating Hulkenberg highly, as his Porsche stablemate Mark Webber says the 27-year-old "deserves a better seat in F1".
On his debut race, Hulkenberg on Sunday (June 15) beat fellow Porsche prototype racer and former F1 driver Mark Webber.
Alonso tweeted his congratulations to Porsche after the team landed a 1-2 win.
Alonso wrote: "Congratulations you guys for the great race they (Porsche) have done at the @ 24hoursoflemans ! car 19"
Enhorabuena a @PorscheRaces y sus chicos por la gran carrera que han hecho en las @24hoursoflemans ! Coche 19....?? pic.twitter.com/KUD69m89nk
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) June 14, 2015
Hulkenberg's Le Mans win comes at an awkward time for F1, as drivers and spectators are beginning to question if it remains the most challenging motor racing category.
Asked why he pushed to combine F1 with prototype sports cars this year, Hulkenberg told f1-insider: "Well, the opportunity to work with a brand like Porsche doesn't come along every day.
"Naturally I asked myself if it would affect my F1 career, by having to adapt to a different driving style, but I don't think so."
Hulkenberg took to Twitter to thank Porsche and his co-drivers:
Yesssss.... It was not a dream????????????! We did it! @NickTandyR @earlbamber @PorscheRaces pic.twitter.com/tPIu48zPT4
— Nico Hülkenberg (@NicoHulkenberg) June 15, 2015
Still blown away...last few days been amazing! Overwhelmed by all the compliments & reactions! Thank you so much! #happy #proud #blessed
— Nico Hülkenberg (@NicoHulkenberg) June 16, 2015
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