Hulkenberg remembers 'awesome' rookie season pole

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It's been a pointless last two months for Renault's Nico Hulkenberg, but the German driver hopes to put an end to his drought in Brazil, the scene of his incredible rookie season pole in 2010.

Mexico delivered another disappointing DNF to Hulkenberg, who painfully found himself among the victim of Renault's series of engine failures at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez last week.

Interlagos is one the Hulk's favourite tracks however, and coupled with his past history there it provides the perfect back-drop for a good result.

"I have special memories around Interlagos! My only Formula 1 pole position to date came in my rookie season, which was awesome," remembers Hulkenberg, who was a Williams driver at the time.

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"I put a perfect lap together at the right time in changing conditions and poled it by over a second; that’s a real standout moment in my entire racing career.

"In 2012, I led for a large part of the race and was unlucky not to get a podium. I have a decent record there and I will be pushing to make sure I continue that."

Brazil and Sao Paulo enjoy an incredible F1 heritage which fuels the fans fervor and passion, something which is never lost on a Grand prix driver when racing at Interlagos.

"The track itself has so much history especially when you cast your mind to all the stories and championships won there," says the German.

"You can feel the history and the emotions that belong to racing and I really like that. It’s a reason why I usually perform quite well there.

"The circuit is short and can be quite tricky to get right. It’s anti-clockwise, very bumpy and extremely tough on the neck! It’s all about confidence, especially the in-field middle sector.

"It’s very special for me and one of my favourite places and races on the calendar. São Paulo is a crazy city and there’s something I really like about it.

"The food, the people, it’s all really engaging and a highly unique experience."

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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.