Disappointed not to be participating in the 2016 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans due to a date conflict with Bakou's GP F1, last year's winner – with Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy – at the biggest race in the world, is keeping a good attitude. "The one positive thing, he smiles, is that at my next participation in Le Mans, I will still be a winner," and it is a certainty he will return.

"I would have loved to be there again this year, but the decision was not mine to make, he continues.When I think back to last year, there are plenty of great memories. There is the win that remains the greatest accomplishment of my career, and that's not all!"

Last year at Le Mans, the German driver who competes for Force India in the F1 world championship learned a lot about motorsports and about himself. "I had to start at zero, he recalls. Traffic, tyres, technology, car, driving style, I had to re-learn everything. And then there was this feeling..."

A magical bonding, mysterious and unforgettable, with the night! "An incredible experience. It was the best moment of the race along with the podium. My best feeling. It's hard to describe, but in the cockpit there was this special and indescribable atmosphere. Something I had never experienced before. I loved it!"

Proud to be firmly cemented in the legend of Le Mans, Nico is thrilled to belong to this small "exclusive circle" of 24 Hours winners. "An honour!" as he describes it with plenty of enthusiasm.

He who will be in Azerbaijan during this year's edition hopes of course that the trophy remains in the Porsche camp. "I wish the best for the team, he concludes, and a lot of luck too because one needs it at Le Mans!"

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), 24 HOURS CIRCUIT, 2015 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, Jonathan Biche (ACO). Not this year, but Nico Hulkenberg will return to Le Mans and relive the magic of the 24 Hours!