Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsForce India

Hulkenberg targets points in 'century' race

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Nico Hulkenberg will line up for his 100th Grand Prix next Sunday in Russia, the German driver actually sharing the century mark of races with team mate Sergio Perez.

Force India is still looking to rediscover the form it enjoyed at the end of last season, and Sochi may just be the right place to ramp up its performance with the team achieving a podium there last year.

"I can’t believe this weekend is going to be my 100th race weekend in Formula 1. Where has the time gone? It’s a nice achievement and hopefully I can get a result to make it a weekend to remember.

"The goal is to get some more points on the board in Russia. The last two races have been frustrating for different reasons and I don’t think we’ve shown our full potential yet.

Indeed, Hulk scored points in the opening round in Australia, but the following two rounds were fruitless.

"In China I really struggled with tyre degradation, but I don’t think that will be such an issue at Sochi because it’s a much smoother surface."

"The track in Sochi is an interesting one. It’s a huge site because it’s the Olympic Park and the track has a nice flow.

"The lap is quite long, with lots of similar right-angled corners so that makes it a bit easier to find a set-up that works.

"It’s a big power track with long straights and some big stops, which makes it quite demanding on the brakes."

Nico Hulkenberg's best result since he began racing in F1 is a pair of fourth place finishes, while the German also has a single pole position to his credit, achieved in his maiden year with Williams in 2010 in Brazil.

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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.