British Grand Prix – Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg is hoping for improved race pace from the RS17 following his sixth-place qualifying result.
Hulkenberg was one of the beneficiaries of the early wet-weather running, competing for the top times in Q1 and Q2.
Despite the pace of the Renault not being able to match the Mercedes, Ferraris and Red Bulls, he was able to secure a sixth-place grid slot for the race.
“I’m satisfied,” said Hulkenberg. “We’re had a couple of really good qualifying sessions and then more disappointing Sundays so there’s no point in getting too excited about it.
“Tomorrow is the hard bit of work for us and we want – and need – some points so we’ll have to get it done.”
When asked about the race pace of the Renault car, Hulkenberg was hopeful of improvements from their pace in the practice sessions.
“Yesterday the one-lap pace was going well already with the new floor. This weekend the one-lap pace from the afternoon yesterday was there or thereabouts.
“From yesterday, the long runs weren’t so satisfying for me, but we’ve changed a few things since then. You can’t really tell today so we’ll find out tomorrow.”
Instead, he suggested that a wet weather race may be the preferred scenario.
“It’s tricky, but I like these conditions. It’s mixed when you’re not quite sure where the grip is and you see some damps patches.
“I think we’re actually really competitive in those conditions like in Q1 and Q2. Then when it started to dry out, we were concerned that we were going to slip down, but we were able to keep the pace and hang on to the position.”
