Nico Hulkenberg pleased with new Sauber backing

Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg has admitted that the new deal with three Russian companies was "needed" in order for the team to continue in Formula 1.

Hulkenberg said that he remained focused on his job before the deal was announced earlier this week, but that it should now relieve some pressure on Sauber.

"I think it is positive news for the team and it was needed," Hulkenberg told Autosport.

"I didn't have all the details about what was happening, and it was the management's situation, but I knew that we didn't have the budget like the top teams.

"Beyond that, I was here to do my job and I was concentrating on focusing on getting the best out of the package we have – and making the most of that."

Hulkenberg moved to Sauber at the end of last season from Force India.