Nico Hülkenberg has spoken about how you can “feel all the emotions” at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Renault Sport Formula One Team driver describes Brazil as “probably my favourite race” and is hopeful of a “memorable” weekend.
“The Brazilian Grand Prix is probably my favourite race on the calendar. São Paulo has a really cool vibe about it, crazy in a way, but that’s what I like about the place.
“Interlagos is situated in a town that is mad about motorsport, in a motorsport mad country with motorsport mad supporters, so it has all the right ingredients for a memorable race weekend.”
The circuit has seen many historic moments in Formula 1 and Hülkenberg believes feeling all that helps him when he is driving this track.
“Interlagos is a circuit which carries so much history. There have been so many world championship titles decided in Interlagos, as well as a lot of other prominent Formula 1 moments.
“You feel all the emotions on a lap of the circuit and that’s why I find it so special. Maybe that’s why I seem to go well there!
“It’s a short lap, but busy behind the wheel with a lot of challenges to get through. It’s anticlockwise, tough on the neck and quite physical on the rest of the body, as it’s bumpy in places.
“Confidence is key, especially through the middle sector as you can make up a lot of time through there.”
Hülkenberg has gone well in Brazil in the past. He got pole position on his first visit and led the race in 2012.
“From a personal point of view, Interlagos is the place of some special memories for me. The standout is definitely my pole position lap in 2010 as a rookie.
“That was awesome and one of those sessions where everything clicked and we nailed the perfect lap in changing conditions.
“That’s something I will never forget. In 2012, I led the Brazilian Grand Prix for 30 laps, and, when I reflect on that, I was unlucky to miss out on the podium.
“I also led the race in 2014 for a short amount of time. It’s a circuit where I seem to score good results, so I’ll be out to keep that record up again this year.”
