Hulkenberg enjoys best qualifying to date with Renault

Nico Hulkenberg mastered Silverstone's tricky conditions to achieve an impressive P6 in qualifying, his best result since joining Renault. 

The German put Renault's new aero updates on its RS17 to good use, avoiding the pitfalls and difficulties which faced drivers in the weather-impacted session.

"Today we had a very successful qualifying and will start the race just behind the top teams," said a happy Hulkenberg.

"I had a good rhythm and we had good times. The team made the right calls for the right track conditions; there was a nice flow.

"I was feeling calm and confident with the car so I was able to produce a good lap.

"The upgrades we brought here this weekend seemed to also have played their part in our step forward.

"That said, tomorrow’s race is the true test. Let’s try and have a clean race. We’ll push very hard and I’ll be very happy to bring points home."

• Hamilton on pole ahead of Raikkonen and Vettel

Jolyon Palmer just missed out on a top-ten quali by the narrowest of margins; hanging once again to his title of 'Master of the 11th place'.

“I had a really good feeling with the car today and I’m happy with that result," said the Brit.

"We could maybe have made up one tenth or so, but we’re starting in a much better place than we have done in recent races so I hope we can make progress and score some points tomorrow. "

Spurred on by some visible support for his home race, Palmer will fight for all his worth to try and conquer that elusive points-scoring finish.

"I’m pretty confident that we can have a good race. The atmosphere all weekend has been awesome with so many Union Jacks in the stands – I’m loving the support.

"It’s good motivation and driving the track with these cars is so much fun at the moment."

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