Hulkenberg buoyed by steady progress at Renault

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Slowly but surely, Renault and Nico Hulkenberg have been gathering momentum as the French squad gradually improves its RS17 challenger.

The German delivered three successive top-ten qualifying performances and enjoyed two points-scoring finishes in Bahrain and Russia.

But the Hulk believes there is more potential to unlock, perhaps as soon as this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

"I’m feeling good," he said about his mood before Barcelona.

"The car is improving at every race and we can deliver. I spent two days at Enstone last week and even some occasional British rain wasn’t an issue."

The Circuit de Catalunya is familiar turf for all teams and a track that Hulkenberg particularly appreciates.

"It’s a track we all know really well after testing there so much so all the engineers have a lot of data and knowledge about it.

"I personally like the layout, especially the first sector with turns 1-2-3, which have added value thanks to the fastest cars this season.

"It’s a physical circuit with all the high speed right handers so you need a strong neck; you’ll really know about it by the end of the race."

Renault follows suit in Barcelona with upgrade package

As a mid-field fighter, Hulkenberg is relishing his in-race battles with his rivals, and notably with his former team Force India.

But the German also believes the fight at the front is having a positive impact overall on F1 as he risks a prediction on who will come out on top.

"Not for a long time have the top two teams been so close together," Hulkenberg told Germany's Sport1.

"It's a very good battle for Formula 1. Mercedes has been consistently at the highest level for years, but I'm extremely impressed with Ferrari at the moment.

"They've built a super car and that's why I'm going to tip Ferrari," Hulkenberg added.

"But both teams are in a position to win. Who will ultimately become world champion is impossible to predict."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.