F1: Nico Hulkenberg Force India driver to join Renault for 2017 read more at here www.spinonews.com/index.php/item/1267-f1-nico-hulkenberg-force-india-driver-to-join-renault-for-2017

The German, 29, has been chosen to lead Renault's team as they build up to competitiveness following their return to F1 as a factory entry this year.

Nico Hulkenberg is to join Renault next season after agreeing a release from his contract with Force India.

Force India, for whom Hulkenberg has driven for five years across two spells, said they respect his desire to "explore fresh opportunities".

The deal, for at least two years, is said to involve a salary of $20m (£17m).

The second seat at Renault remains open, with current drivers Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer in the frame, along with Manor's Esteban Ocon and Pascal Wehrlein.

Renault are also interested in Williams driver Valtteri Bottas, who is in salary negotiations with his current team.

Force India also now have a seat to fill alongside Mexican Sergio Perez, with Palmer, Ocon and Wehrlein all contenders.

Hulkenberg who made his debut for Williams in 2010 and drove for Sauber in 2013 - has taken a gamble because he believes in Renault's ability to become a major force in the next few years.

The French team are struggling this year, following the manufacturer's late takeover of the Lotus team at the end of 2015.

In contrast, Force India are on course for a fourth-place finish in the constructors' championship this season, their best since 1999 in their former guise of Jordan.

Renault have set a target of contending for the world title within the next five years, something a small, independent team such as Force India cannot realistically manage.

Hulkenberg himself effectively signposted his move to Renault earlier on Friday when he posted a picture of the front page of German newspaper Bild, which led on the story, on social media.

An announcement from Renault, who have not yet confirmed Hulkenberg's arrival, is expected imminently.