For Hulkenberg, Brazilian GP has 'all the right ingredients'

From Interlagos' track to Sao Paulo's atmosphere and the frenzy of its F1 fans, the Brazilian Grand Prix has everything it takes to stage a memorable race, says Renault's Nico Hulkenberg.

The French outfit will resume its battle at the head of F1's midfield this week, hoping to further break away from its immediate follower Haas after Hulkenberg put a sixth-place finish in his team's bag in Mexico.

Renault heads to Brazil bolstered by Haas appeal decision

"It was a very positive Grand Prix for us," said the German.

"The race was straightforward, managing the tyres and making sure the one-stop worked. I had a comfortable gap after Carlos retired so it was steady away from there to ensure the team took home some important points.

"We know the next two races will be challenging, but Brazil is always fun so I'm looking forward to getting out there and solidifying both my seventh place in the Drivers' Championship and contributing to the team's target of fourth place in the Constructors'."

The Hulk cherishes a few good memories of Brazil, with his pole position achieved with Williams as a rookie in 2010 a clear standout.

"That was awesome and one of those sessions where everything clicked and we nailed the perfect lap in changing conditions," he remembers.

"That's something I will never forget. In 2012, I led the Brazilian Grand Prix for 30 laps, and, when I reflect on that, I was unlucky to miss out on the podium.

"I also led the race in 2014 for a short amount of time. It's a circuit where I seem to score good results, so I'll be out to keep that record up again this year.

"The Brazilian Grand Prix is probably my favourite race on the calendar," he adds.

"Sao Paulo has a really cool vibe about it, crazy in a way, but that's what I like about the place.

"Interlagos is situated in a town that is mad about motorsport, in a motorsport mad country with motorsport mad supporters, so it has all the right ingredients for a memorable race weekend."

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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.