Hulkenberg was hoping for better, looking for strong race

Like for the majority of his colleagues, today's tricky qualifying was a handful for Nico Hulkenberg but the German negotiated the disrupted session fairly well, and will launch his race from 9th on tomorrow's grid.

While satisfied to have accessed the top Q3 segment, Hulkenberg believes his final result good have been better.

"As a team I think we coped well with so many red flags because it’s important to stay calm and maintain your rhythm.

"I think getting to Q3 was really good but then being there was not as good as I would have hoped for," he explained.

"I'm not disappointed but I think I was hoping for a bit more. By the end the track was fully dry so it was back to the normal usual pecking order I would say.

The German complained of a lack of balance affecting his runs in last installment of qualifying, and believes that on merit he should have been able to challenge for Sainz's P6.

"Yeah ideally we would have liked to beat him and the McLarens so those three are really the ones ideally we would be in front of, but now we're behind and we need to try and race them tomorrow.

"The balance just went away from us a bit in Q3 so a bit unsatisfied about that. I struggled with understeer on my final lap.

"So from that perspective maybe it would have been better if the track had stayed wet for longer. Ninth place is still a good place to start and I’m sure we can have a strong race from there."

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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.