Nico Hulkenberg felt the start he made at Silverstone on Sunday was amongst the best of his career, before finishing seventh in the debut race for the b-specification Sahara Force India VJM08.
Hulkenberg climbed to fifth after starting ninth, getting ahead of both Scuderia Ferrari drivers, a Red Bull and a Toro Rosso, and although he could not maintain that position until the chequered flag, he was happy with his ultimate result, feeling the team are moving in the right direction with their car.
“That was an entertaining afternoon and it’s great to come away from our home race with a good bunch of points,” said Hulkenberg. “My start was sensational – maybe the best I ever had in Formula One – and I rocketed up to fifth place ahead of the two Ferraris.
“I was able to keep them behind me for the first stint, but they had too much pace and were able to use the strategy to jump us by pitting early. When the rain arrived at the end of the race the track was very slippery.
“I was a bit unfortunate with the timing because I had just passed the pit lane entry when the rain became really heavy and I had to do a full lap before I could change to intermediates.
“Overall, though, I think seventh place is a great result and we should be satisfied. A lot of the performance today is down to the updates we brought here. It’s moved us in the right direction so I have to say a big well done to the team.”
