Nico Hulkenberg has said he is ready to begin the next chapter of his career ahead of pre-season testing in three weeks' time.
Hulkenberg will race for Sauber this season, his third team in three years of racing.
"It was not always my choice [changing teams], except for the switch to Sauber. At the end of 2010 I was more or less forced into a team change!", the German told the Official F1 website.
"Being confronted with such a situation you simply have to get on with the job and get to know the new people you work with from now on. Some procedures in the teams are similar, nevertheless there are differences in details, which you have to learn and get used to. You could say that I am right now in a new phase of learning."
Hulkenberg says he is happy with a crucial part of a car for the driver.
"During this time of the year it is always to make me comfortable in the car. Making a good seat in which I feel comfortable is very important. Luckily I fit in well so I am ready for testing in Jerez at the beginning of February."
Hulkenberg believes that Jerez will be the 'acid test' but doesn't think that a complete driver overhaul will pose a problem for the Swiss team.
"I don't see any deficit to be honest. Indeed I am new in the team, but not new in F1, and Esteban [Gutierrez] has gained experience as a test driver with Sauber so he is not new to them. I would say there is no deficit, but rather the chance to make good acquaintances."
Hulkenberg adds that his suggested role as a team leader doesn't alter his mindset ahead of 2013.
"The fact that people are regarding me as the team leader doesn’t change much. At the Sauber F1 team both drivers get the same equipment and treatment. I will just work harder together with Esteban to bring the team forward.
Sauber claimed four podiums last season, a statistic that Hulkenberg is keen to build on in 2013.
"I want to build on the good basis they had last year and keep working hard from there. Of course I am looking for good results - in that sense the team and I are already looking for the same thing. It´s a new season so we have to wait and see how things pan out and how strong our package is on the track."
The Sauber C32 will be unveiled on February 2nd.
