Hulkenberg happy with best Monaco quali ever

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Nico Hulkenberg will line up in P5 tomorrow, achieving a career best in qualifying at Monaco.

The German driver put in a solid series of runs on Saturday, gradually improving on every outing, and beating in the end Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

The performance, including the fact that Sergio Perez also qualified in the top 10, was also Force India's best result so far this season.

"Today I felt the most comfortable ever, even compared to two days ago in practice," Hulkenberg said.

"Usually, in practice, you get in and you feel a bit unhappy and uncomfortable, but here this weekend, from lap 1 I've had good vibes from the start."

Hulkenberg underlined the fact that he felt very confident in the qualities and balance of his VJM09 chassis which has improved greatly since it received a series of upgrades in Barcelona.

"The car definitely made a huge step forward in Barcelona, and we know that this type of track, with low-speed corners, suits it much more than in Spain so that's good.

"Obviously, we'ge got the main job on our hands tomorrow which we need to focus on. It could be a tricky one with the weather forecast but we'll take it as it comes and try to do another good one."

With regard to tomorrow's forecast which has scheduled the risk of rain in the race, Hulkenberg believes there's no point in worrying one way or the other, and he will accept whatever the elements bring to the day.

"I don't care, I'll take it as it comes as we really have no choice, we have to perform with what we're seeing and faced with, and that's what we will do."

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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.