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Di Resta surprised by Hulkenberg move

Paul di Resta: "I don't see it as being a step up to be perfectly honest" © Press Association

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• News:
• Sauber confirms Nico Hulkenberg for 2013
  

• Race:
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

• Drivers:
• Paul di Resta
• |
• Nico Hülkenberg

• Teams:
• Racing Point

Paul di Resta admits he was surprised by Nico Hulkenberg's decision to leave Force India for Sauber.

Hulkenberg was announced on a one-year contract at Sauber following the Indian Grand Prix, replacing the outgoing Sergio Perez. With di Resta poised to stay at Force India for 2013, he said he believes he's in the more consistent team and doesn't understand why Hulkenberg would wish to move.

"I was surprised that Nico left this team, to be fair, for an immediate competitor," di Resta said. "I don't see it as being a step up to be perfectly honest. I see it as equal - if anything - status, I think long term where you see this team's going I think it's probably better.

"They've had a couple of remarkable results - I'm not going to deny that - but in terms of consistency we've got a lot. Next year may be different, and I don't know the full reasons why Nico's gone there."

When asked if Hulkenberg could be chasing the kind of headline results that earned Perez a move to McLaren this year, di Resta said: "Could be, but he'll be a good competitor next year and it'll be a nice challenge."

All but confirming his own future with Force India, di Resta said he would find it tough to consider a move to an immediate rival of the team.

"It's difficult to say when you're presented with it … but there's progression and the way that this team's structured and the way it's going forward I think I'm content where I am."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.