Nico Hulkenberg celebrated a return to the points after a strong drive to sixth during the Japanese Grand Prix having started thirteenth following a penalty carried over from the previous race in Singapore.
The Sahara Force India driver made a good start to move into eighth, and then passed both Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado during the first pit stop cycle after being initially being held up by both Lotus F1 Team drivers, with the German welcoming the eight points he earned.
“A great result today and realistically sixth was the maximum we could achieve when you remember that I started from P13,” said Hulkenberg.
“I made a really good start and jumped a couple of cars away from the line, and then stayed on the inside going into turn one, which turned out to be a good decision.
“By turn two I was up in eighth, close up behind the Lotuses and actually they were holding me up during the first stint. The team pitted me early to undercut them and we then out-raced them with our stronger pace.
“It was a lonely race for me, but effective and the result is very welcome. The team did a great job today and I think we deserved these eight points.”
