Hulkenberg: A bit surprised but very happy to qualify third

  • Published on 08 Aug 2020 20:25
  • comments 0
  • By: Coilin Higgins

Racing Point reserve Nico Hulkenberg has admitted it came as a surprise to qualify in third for tomorrow's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix but said he was delighted with the result.

Hulkenberg initially replaced former Force India teammate for last weekend's British Grand Prix, after the Mexican tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the weekend.


MORE: Hulkenberg reveals talks with F1 teams over 2021 role


​​​​​​​On his return to F1, Hulkenberg qualified in thirteenth position but did not take the start after his car developed a power unit problem prior to the race, which did not allow the German to take his place on the grid.

Perez was hopeful of taking his place on the grid for this weekend's race after completing his mandatory seven-day quarantine but was unable to after once again testing positive, meaning Hulkenberg took the place for the second weekend in a row.

Speaking about the team's chances after the race, Hulkenberg was positive of talking a good result for tomorrow's race, which would be his first Grand Prix since Abu Dhabi in 2019, his final race with Renault.

"Obviously, last week [it was a] big high to come back, then it was a low on Sunday, so it was extreme," Hulkenberg told podium interviewer Paul di Resta after the session.

"This weekend obviously I felt much better in the car, much more prepared. In Quali, it was still tricky. In Q2 I made life a bit hard for myself and I was scared I damaged the car.

"In Q3, it was head down, full beans, whatever I had. I was a bit surprised to stand here, to be honest but [with a] big smile and a lot to expect for the race tomorrow."

Replies (0)

Login to reply

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2023

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2023

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
3 - Mar 5
Bahrain
17 - Mar 19
Saudi Arabia
31 - Apr 2
Australia
28 - Apr 30
Azerbaijan
5 - May 7
United States of America
19 - May 21
Italy
26 - May 28
Monaco
2 - Jun 4
Spain
16 - Jun 18
Canada
30 - Jul 2
Austria
7 - Jul 9
United Kingdom
21 - Jul 23
Hungary
28 - Jul 30
Belgium
25 - Aug 27
Netherlands
1 - Sep 3
Italy
15 - Sep 17
Singapore
22 - Sep 24
Japan
20 - Oct 22
United States of America
27 - Oct 29
Mexico
3 - Nov 5
Brazil
17 - Nov 19
United States of America
24 - Nov 26
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2023

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
3 - Mar 5
17 - Mar 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
31 - Apr 2
Australia Albert Park
28 - Apr 30
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
5 - May 7
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
19 - May 21
26 - May 28
Monaco Monte Carlo
2 - Jun 4
16 - Jun 18
30 - Jul 2
Austria Red Bull Ring
7 - Jul 9
United Kingdom Silverstone
21 - Jul 23
Hungary Hungaroring
28 - Jul 30
25 - Aug 27
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
1 - Sep 3
Italy Monza
15 - Sep 17
22 - Sep 24
20 - Oct 22
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
27 - Oct 29
3 - Nov 5
Brazil Interlagos
17 - Nov 19
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
24 - Nov 26
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Country Germany
  • Date of b. Aug 19 1987 (35)
  • Place of b. Emmerich am Rhein, Germany
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.84 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar