A problem with the fuel bowser in the Renault Sport Formula One Team pit garage proved costly for Nico Hülkenberg as the German lost out on being on track at the time when conditions were at their best in the second segment of Qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix, meaning the German was eliminated.
Hülkenberg did manage to get a few lap times on the board with the Intermediate tyre, but with the track conditions deteriorating as the rain fell heavier, particularly in the final sector and the start and finish straight, he was unable to do better than thirteenth on the grid.
“There was an issue with the fuel bowser which meant we didn’t have enough fuel in the car at the start of Q2, so we lost time when the track was at its best,” said Hülkenberg, who was unable to join team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr. in Q3 as a result of the problem that saw him start the session with not enough fuel in the car.
“Once it started raining hard it was pretty much game-over although we gave it a go with the Wet tyres, sadly to no avail. Timing is crucial in conditions like today so it’s a shame to have a small technical problem in the garage.”
Hülkenberg feels Renault has a strong car this weekend, and despite the Hungaroring being traditionally difficult to overtake on, he hopes to make gains on Sunday and score some more points for the team as they continue their fight to finish fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
“It is hard to overtake here, but we have a strong car so I’m hopeful for a good race,” said Hülkenberg. “A wet race would spice things up, but I’m approaching tomorrow open-minded; I want to make up places and score points.”
