Hulkenberg aiming to celebrate 'a job well done'

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Nico Hulkenberg is aiming to end the 2017 season on a high, with a strong result at Abu Dhabi to show what Renault can do.

It's the climax of the German driver's first year with the team, and he believes they've made considerable progress over the course of the season.

"This year has been about progress and development," he said this week.

"I’ve got to know a new team, and one that has been developing strongly over the course of the year. We’ve made progress with the car and our performance.

"Of course, we’ve wanted more in terms of results, but I think we have put many things in place behind the scenes, which will enable us to fight for better positions in the future. That’s always been the aim.

Hulkenberg has finished in the top six on three occasions this year, at Spain, Silverstone and Spa. However in the last six races he's only finished on two occasions, denting his position in the drivers standings.

He's currently in 12th place, but a strong result in the season finale could see him leap into the top ten ahead of Williams duo Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa.

Sainz ready to help Renault challenge for sixth

There's also everything to play for in the constructors standings, with Renault competing with Toro Rosso and Haas for sixth place.

"The constructors championship will go down to the wire for sixth in Abu Dhabi," he predicted. "And I’m really relishing the challenge.

"It’s the season finale, there’s plenty at stake and that makes me very excited.

"Abu Dhabi is a really fun place for a season finale. I’ve finished in the top seven three times in the last three years.

"The track should suit us better than Interlagos," he speculated. "It’s a long lap with a weird rhythm so it’s key to get comfortable with the change of flow.

"The corners are a lot different to each other so it’s vital to find a good balance, get accustomed to the conditions and master it.

"I’m looking forward to it, and ready to fight for some points," he added. "I want to kick back on Sunday night at Yas Marina with the team and celebrate a job well done."

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Andrew Lewin

Andrew first became a fan of Formula 1 during the time when Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill were stepping into the limelight after the era of Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell and Aryton Senna. He's been addicted ever since, and has been writing about the sport now for nearly a quarter of a century for a number of online news sites. He's also written professionally about GP2 (now Formula 2), GP3, IndyCar, World Rally Championship, MotoGP and NASCAR. In his other professional life, Andrew is a freelance writer, social media consultant, web developer/programmer, and digital specialist in the fields of accessibility, usability, IA, online communities and public sector procurement. He worked for many years in magazine production at Bauer Media, and for over a decade he was part of the digital media team at the UK government's communications department. Born and raised in Essex, Andrew currently lives and works in south-west London.