Force India preparing for huge fight with Williams - Hulkenberg

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His very first career podium escaped Nico Hulkenberg once again, but the German was happy nevertheless with his fourth place finish in today's Belgian GP.

The Force India driver avoided the pitfalls at the start to drive a steady race, edging out team mate Sergio Perez in the process, the pair enabling their team to now surpass Williams in the constructor's standings.

"I had a mega start and first lap," Hulkenberg said.

"There was a bit of a thing going on between Max [Verstappen] and the Ferraris I believe, and I was able to profit from that and found myself in second."

The German was one of six drivers in the top 10 who started on the fragile SuperSoft compound, but Hulkenberg actually made the most of the precarious rubber.

"On the SuperSoft tyres it was going actually well. I was behind Nico, he was pulling away from me a bit but I was pulling away from the people behind me which was really good at that stage of the race.

AS IT HAPPENED: Belgian Grand Prix

With the advent of the red flag following Kevin Magnussen's massive crash at the top of Eau Rouge, Hulkenberg saw his momentum suddenly curtailed.

"That was a bit frustrating at that moment, I would have preferred not to have that red flag but that's racing."

On lap 24, as he exited the pits following his tyre change, Hulkenberg was challenged on his right by Fernando Alonso's McLaren. The tussle resulted in the two men touching but the Force India driver ruled the incident as a racing one.

Force India's results in Belgium now place the team in front of Williams in the constructor's standings, but Hulkenberg believes where the team is placed at the end of the season is all that matters.

"We want to be fourth on Sunday evening in Abu Dhabi, that's our target. Until then it's still eight races to go and a long way.

"it's going to be a really tight and long battle with Williams until then. It's important that we do our homework and pick up the points when we can.

"We have a good package, we're competitive so bring it on!"

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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.