Hulkenberg return thwarted by pre-race failure!

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Nico Hulkenberg's shock return to action with Racing Point at Silverstone took a turn for the worse when the German driver's car refused to fire up properly during the pre-race procedure.

Hulkenberg was drafted in at the eleventh hour to replace Sergio Perez for this weekend's British Grand Prix after the Mexican tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced into quarantine.

Save for the physical strain associated with driving a modern F1 after a lengthy hiatus, Hulkenberg acquitted himself well in free practice.

Super-sub Hulkenberg recounts 'crazy and wild' last 24 hours

The German was set to line up 13th on Sunday's grid but the team diagnosed an issue when the RP20 was fired up in the Racing Point garage.

The team frantically tried to remedy the problem but ultimately lost its race against the clock "after an issue was discovered with his car leaving the garage to head to the grid," according to the team.

The race thus got underway less one pink charger on the grid.

(Updated...)

After the race, Hulkenberg joked that his premature demise was just another event to add on to the last few crazy days.

"It's crazy, isn't it? Somehow it fits into all these crazy days that I've experienced," said the German.

"But obviously disappointing for me and for the team.

"They tried everything, but [because of] some sort of power unit issue, we didn't manage to start the car and get out there, which is obviously a disappointing problem. We're looking into why."

Racing point is awaiting clarity on Sergio Perez's health situation and on the exact length of the Mexican's imposed quarantine before confirming or not Hulkenberg's participation in next week's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone.

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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.