Hulkenberg hails 'mega' quali lap

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Nico Hulkenberg enjoyed an impressive showing in qualifying this afternoon, putting his Force India fifth on the grid and splitting the Red Bull and Ferrari pairs.

At the outset, the German extracted the most from his car and its tyres on a busy and heating track while also driving flawlessly for the occasion.

"The car just got better and better through qualifying with the track gripping up," said Hulkenberg.

"Due to the altitude, this is quite a low-downforce track, and track evolution just seemed to help the car and pick up the balance and the pace for us.

"We did a good job as well understanding the tyres and getting them into the sweet spot. My first lap in Q3 was mega, I don't there was anything more I could have squeezed out of there. All in all, it was just a really good qualifying."

Hulkenberg has suffered from a few bad starts recently, finding himself in a melee or slow off the line.

Sandwiched tomorrow between a pair of Red Bulls and Ferraris, the Force India driver will be looking to take advantage of any possible gap while also staying out of trouble on the long run down to Turn One.

"You always have to be careful at the start. Every start has a different dynamic, so you just have to play it by ear and see where the gap is.

"Last weekend wasn't great but it was my mistake. I think we should be fine tomorrow. Last year, everybody survived, so I'm not too concerned."

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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.