After a difficult start to the season for the Sahara Force India F1 team, Nico Hulkenberg is hoping that he and the squad can get back on track as the German gets set to start his hundredth race weekend at the 2016 Russian Grand Prix.
“I can’t believe this weekend is going to be my hundredth race weekend in Formula One. Where has the time gone? It’s a nice achievement and hopefully I can get a result to make it a weekend to remember.
“The goal is to get some more points on the board in Russia. The last two races have been frustrating for different reasons and I don’t think we’ve shown our full potential yet. In China I really struggled with tyre degradation, but I don’t think that will be such an issue at Sochi because it’s a much smoother surface.”
Team-mate Sergio Perez is confident the team will perform much better at the Sochi Autodrom, after struggling badly with tyre performance at the 2016 Chinese Grand Prix last time out. The Mexican is hopeful ahead of the race in Russia this weekend.
“Going back to Sochi brings back happy memories from our podium last year. I really like the track and they did a good job with the layout. I think every driver enjoys turn three because it’s an unusual corner with high energies and a long duration. You can take it flat, but it’s the one corner on the track which really takes the life from your tyres.
“I think we can be competitive this weekend. We didn’t get things right in China and just missed out on points, so we need to concentrate on improving our race pace. It’s often those difficult weekends where you learn the most and see where you can improve, so I’m confident we can be in better shape this weekend.”
There is no doubt the Sahara Force India F1 team will have expected to be performing much better so far this season, after a strong 2015. They will be aiming to finish in the points with both drivers at the upcoming race weekend in Russia.
