Hulkenberg aims for another 'strong finish' at Sochi

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Nico Hulkenberg enjoyed a point-scoring finish in Singapore but the Renault driver believes there could have been more and aims to prove it next week at Sochi.

At Marina Bay, the German driver was happy to find himself once again among the top ten, along with team mate Carlos Sainz, after a three-race pointless run.

"It’s good to be back in the top ten after a difficult spell in our season," said Hulk ahead of the Russian Grand Prix.

"It’s important to score with both cars in our fight for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, so we have to draw on the positives from that.

"Of course, you always want more, and I can only help but feel there was more out there for us in Singapore. We’ll take a point and aim for an improved outing in Russia."

More upgrades in store for Renault at Sochi

Unfortunately, Hulkenberg's track record hasn't been all that impressive in Sochi with just one top-ten finish in the event's four-race history. That result was achieved last year however, so he'll be looking to keep his Russian form in its uptrend.

"I ended my bad run in Sochi last season by finishing eighth, which was my second points finish in Renault colours," he said.

"I haven’t had the best luck in Russia up until that after a couple of retirements, but we’ve put that behind us now and we’ll be aiming for another strong finish this season as well."

Sochi's Olympic park track offers drivers a challenging layout to compose with but one which can also prove very satisfying when mastered.

"It’s one of the longer laps of the season, with lots of corners," adds Hulkenberg.

"That provides a challenge as you have to string together those combinations and get the sectors nailed perfectly; especially in qualifying.

"The track has a nice flow to it, it’s quick, and that’s why I like it. It’s a long straight off the line, before heavy braking into turn one followed by the long, on-going left-hander.

It’s fast and flowing from there before the final sector which is a bit slower and features a couple of 90-degree turns.

"Rear tyre overheating is the main consideration for that part of the lap. Overall, though, it’s fun to drive."

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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.