Nico Hülkenberg completed his first day of testing with the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team following his off-season switch from the Sahara Force India F1 Team, and finished ninth fastest on Monday.
The twenty-nine-year-old German completed fifty-seven laps of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Monday, all of which were on the medium compound of Pirelli tyre, and set a best time of 1:24.784, just over three seconds down on pacesetter Lewis Hamilton.
Hülkenberg admitted that the team are at the beginning of a steep learning curve with the 2017 cars completely different from their predecessors, especially with the overhaul of aerodynamics making it feel like a much faster Formula 1.
“It was an exciting first day with a new team and a completely different type of Formula 1 car,” said Hülkenberg. “It feels very different out on track with a lot of new aspects to discover as we’re at the start of a steep learning curve.
“The car certainly feels faster than those to the previous regulations and it is fun to drive. You certainly realise you’ve got more downforce in the corners. It wasn’t the most trouble-free day, but it’s been a good start in my new home.”
