Nico Hulkenberg enjoyed a solid prototype-racing debut by claiming sixth place at yesterday’s WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps aboard the #19 Porsche 919 Hybrid he shared with crew-mates Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy.
Having qualified a strong second and less than three tenths off pole, the Force India driver entered the six-hour event with high ambitions only to see race starter Tandy clash with the #91 LMGTE Pro-entered Porsche 911 RSR at Fagnes.
Although the #19 trio lost some three minutes in the ensuing repairs, they were then able to claw back through the field at the Belgian Grand Prix venue en route to P6.
Despite the initial setback, Hulkenberg, who is pursuing a dual WEC/F1 programme this year, was pleased with his maiden LMP1 outing.
“I felt good in the car during the race,” said the 27-year-old. “I did a double stint with one set of tyres, which was tough on the rubber.
“Managing the traffic was a very interesting and enjoyable experience, although I had a few moments. Sometimes the timing to overtake is perfect and sometimes it isn't.”
Hulkenberg’s focus will now switch back to his Formula One commitment as the Force India driver sets his sights on next weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The German will come back behind the wheel of his 919 Hybrid for the official Le Mans Test Day held on May 31 before competing in the iconic 24-hour race at Circuit de la Sarthe on June 13-14.
Click here for a look at the radical Honda power unit design
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