F1 News, Reports and Race Results

'See you later' pass on Bottas the highlight of my race - Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg crossed the finish line in 8th place In Suzuka, a result which adds to the German's tally as well as to that of Force India as it battles to secure fourth in the Constructors standings.

By his own admittance, Hulkenberg pretty much made the most of the cards he was dealt, leaving Japan with a sense of satisfaction.

"I'm happy generally although 7th was possible today as well," said Hulkenberg.

"Beating my team mate would have been possible as well, but I paid a little bit the price for not ideal qualifying.

"I had a really good start but after, just that little bit more traffic, tyres older than his [Perez], that track position was worth a lot for him today."

On lap 21, Hulkenberg executed a great pass around the outside of  Valtteri Bottas at the chicane, punctuated with smiles over the radio and a cheeky  "See you later!". It was good move and he knew it.

"Yeah, I was a bit annoyed there because I should have had him already the lap before, but I didn't have a good enough exit. That was the highlight of my race!"

While Hulkenberg was obviously more than happy to help Force India increase its lead over Williams, the German insisted that the chase for fourth was still very much on.

"There are still four races to go, and every point will count."

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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.

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