Nico Hulkenberg is excited to be competing in his home Grand Prix when Formula 1 returns to the Hockenheimring this weekend.
The Sahara Force India driver only just managed to score points at the Hungarian Grand Prix after finishing in tenth. Hulkenberg found himself stuck behind slower cars during the race, resulting him in losing valuable time. With the Hungaroring a difficult circuit to over take, Hulkenberg was unable to recover enough positions to finish higher.
For Hulkenberg, the highlight of the year is competing in his home Grand Prix. There’s added pressure from not only the media but the fans as they want local drivers to do well. As there was no German Grand Prix last season due to agreements not being completed, Hulkenberg is excited to be back at home.
“Competing in your home race is always a highlight of the year,” said Hulkenberg. “I raced in Hockenheim so many times during my junior career, in Formula 3, Formula BMW and I always enjoy going back there. In fact, it’s an area of the country I really like – I used to live nearby just a few years ago.
“Racing at home is a special occasion, but it is important to keep the right mental approach and try to treat it like any other race. I try not to overcook it when I am driving, even though there is a bit of extra pressure from the media and the fans, as they all want the local drivers to do well. Expectations are always high. We missed out on having a race last year, so Germans are really excited about having Formula One back.”
The German Grand Prix is the last race before the summer break, Hulkenberg is looking forward to the time off before the season restarts in Belgium at the end of August.
“Even though the focus is firmly on the business at the track, I look forward to the summer break. It’s a busy season, so it’s nice to know you’re soon going to be on a nice holiday, hopefully doing something cool and having a few weeks off to recharge your batteries.”
