Getting him in a year earlier, means Hulkenberg -- a veteran of over 200 grands prix -- will be heavily involved in the development of the team's first F1 car.
"With his speed, his experience and his commitment to teamwork, he will be an important part of the transformation of our team – and of Audi’s F1 project," said Andreas Seidl, CEO of Sauber Motorsport AG and also CEO of the future Audi F1 factory team.
"Right from the start, there was great mutual interest in building something long-term together. Nico is a strong personality, and his input, on a professional and personal level, will help us to make progress both in the development of the car and in building up the team."
Hulkenberg said: "The prospect of competing for Audi is something very special. When a German manufacturer enters Formula One with such determination, it is a unique opportunity. To represent the factory team of such a car brand with a power unit made in Germany is a great honour for me."
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