Nico Hülkenberg has suggested an air of uncertainty still hangs over his approach to the Baku track which hosts this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The circuit is making only its second appearance in the Formula 1 calendar, and the German explained the circuit’s very narrow streets in certain sections add an extra challenge for the race ahead.
“We are still getting used to it,” he commented. “It takes time to learn the track, [though] I am usually good at adapting quickly and learning new tracks and new lines.”
The venue is one of the few street circuits on the F1 calendar, and the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team‘s lead driver indicated it was as difficult a test as the likes of Monaco and Singapore.
“There are some walls waiting for you so it is important to be quite brave. The old castle brick wall has a blind entry which is unique; Monaco is spacious in comparison.”
“Overtaking will be possible with the long, DRS straights. There are a lot of tight, 90-degree turns matched with flat-out kinks, and the castle complex of turns 8 to 10 will be especially close with the wider cars.”
Hülkenberg seemed to indicate that points were once again on the table for this weekend, referencing his past result with Force India in the circuit’s debut last season, when it was known as the European Grand Prix.
“It was obviously unfamiliar surroundings last year as we were all new to the track, but I had a positive weekend, qualifying in twelfth place before making up a couple of places in the race to come home in ninth with two points.”
“The weekend was pleasing so hopefully we can build on that this year, especially with our recent form.”
