Hulk after sim test: 'New car feels brutally fast!'

©Renault

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Nico Hulkenberg was the first driver to offer a snippet of a comment on what this year's cars will be like, labeling his new Renault as "brutally fast".

It's all about big tyres and huge downforce this season following F1's rules changes. A recipe guaranteed to produce some blistering speeds, especially through the corners, although it remains to be seen if the 2017 changes will improve the racing.

Many high-speed venues such as Barcelona, Silverstone, Spa and Suzuka will provide drivers with massive challenges which hopefully will bring back daring skills into the mix.

Hulkenberg sampled his new car in the simulator around the Circuit de Catalunya, and ended his day thoroughly impressed.

"The new car feels brutally fast," he told Auto, Motor und Sport.

"Turn 3 and Turn 9 are absolutely full throttle," Hulk added. "Previously only Red Bull or Mercedes could have managed that."

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Many pundits are predicting that overtaking could be a lot more difficult because of the cars' extra downforce and traction thanks to bigger wings and tyres.

But Hulkenberg thinks this could be mitigated by more DRS effect, at least on certain tracks.

"The DRS effect is much more pronounced than in the 2016 cars. In Monte Carlo however you will no longer be able to overtake. You just drive in the middle of the road with the wide cars and that’s it."

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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.