Hulkenberg will start in an impressive sixth place at Silverstone
Nico Hulkenberg says that the updated floor package introduced for Silverstone was key to his impressive sixth place on the grid for Sunday’s British GP.
The German was late out in Q1 and after the red flag only just made it through in 15th place.
Eighth in Q2 hinted at some potential and he went two places better when it mattered in Q3, noting that it was “quite amazing” that he had outqualified both works Ferraris.
The performance comes on the heels of his sixth place finish in Austria last weekend.
“Yesterday morning in P1 I drove the old car, and then for P2 we translated or transformed the car to the new spec with the updates,” he said.
“And immediately I felt a benefit and positive in some areas, just more downforce, more balanced, better characteristics. So that was very, very pleasant, very positive for us, and we managed to translate that into a good result today.”
Hulkenberg admitted that getting out of Q1 was a bit tight.
“In Q1 it was a little bit too close for comfort,” he said. “We were late because we thought that it will dry out, but it took longer than expected, and then the red flag obviously kind of put us a little bit up against it.
“I only had one lap, and just made it through, I think, in the last spot in P15. So that was a bit lucky, but afterwards, just good execution, good laps, and obviously happy.
“The red flag with Checo [Perez], and our timing, I think we got a little out of synch from everyone else, that was a bit sketchy, but otherwise a good, clean session.”
The German confident that he can finish inside the top 10 on Sunday: “I think in the points for sure,” he said. “Of course, there’s some fast cars behind us, like the Ferraris. Everyone else who is behind we can fight, apart from the top four teams. So that definitely the aim and target for tomorrow.
“We have two Ferraris starting behind us, which is quite amazing that we managed to beat them over one lap. But I think in a race, there’s no holding them back.
“But everyone else, the Astons, and Albon is there, and then all the other midfield teams, I think we can definitely fight. I think we’ve proven that now over several occasions, and that’s what we’re also going to do.”
Hulkenberg says he’s personally on good form after the solid result in Austria.
“To be honest, I feel a lot and good confidence. So that allows me to produce the laps, even if I just have one, they come, they come out pretty well, which is obviously good.
“I enjoy that feeling. I always try to hold on to it for as long as possible. I know it’s not always like that, so you have to use it while it lasts!”
He’s confident that he can finish in the top 10 on Sunday: “I think in the points for sure,” he said. “Of course, there’s some fast cars behind us, like the Ferraris. Everyone else who is behind we can fight, apart from the top four teams. So that definitely the aim and target for tomorrow.
“We have two Ferraris starting behind us, which is quite amazing that we managed to beat them over one lap. But I think in a race, there’s no holding them back.
“But everyone else, the Astons, and Albon is there, and then all the other midfield teams, I think we can definitely fight. I think we’ve proven that now over several occasions, and that’s what we’re also going to do.”
Hulkenberg’s team mate Kevin Magnussen had to switch back to the older floor on Saturday, and will start 17th.
Adam Cooper F1 