Nico Hülkenberg has pinpointed the technical nature of the Hungaroring circuit as the key difference maker this weekend, suggesting a “good flow and harmony” is needed to secure a good result at the Hungarian GP.
The Renault Sport driver secured the team’s equal best result since the French manufacturer’s return to Formula 1 at the last race, and stressed that while he enjoyed the track, the quick sequences of corners would punish drives making mistakes even more greatly than normal.
“I like Hungary, it’s a good Grand Prix,” he said. “The track is cool and technical with lots of good corner combinations which come one after the other. It feels like all of the corners combine, one error means you will suffer in another corner; you need a good flow and harmony.
“It’s a physical track, very hot too which is hard on us drivers. I like the track: it’s a demanding circuit, you don’t get too many breaks on the lap, so it’s a Grand Prix which comes down to fitness, more so than others.”
The sixth placed finish was put in part down to new upgrades introduced to Hülkenberg’s car at the British Grand Prix, and the German driver took time to enjoy his season-best result before thinking about the next race in Budapest.
“I was happy with Silverstone, it was a very positive weekend,” he continued. “The new floor worked well and took the car a step forward. We managed to translate a good starting position into a strong finish. The pace was really good, we were faster than the midfield competition, so best of the rest which is nice.
“We rewarded ourselves with some points which is important. Sixth is good for me, and good for the team who have been pushing hard. Now it’s time to reboot and go again in Budapest.”
Unfortunately for Hülkenberg, the circuit has rarely been kind to him. He secured his best finish there in his debut season with Williams, his sixth place in 2010 one of only two point-scoring finishes at the Hungaroring during his career.
