Nico Hülkenberg visited the Audi factory for the first time

Hired at Sauber with a view to the arrival of the Audi project in 2026, Nico Hülkenberg visited the German manufacturer's factory for the first time before going to Japan.

Published 03/04/2025 à 16:54

Valentin GLO

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Nico Hülkenberg visited the Audi factory for the first time

Nico Hulkenberg at a press conference in Japan - Photo: Eric Alonso / DPPI

Sauber has started its year of transition to the Audi project well. The Swiss team has already scored as many points at the season opener in Australia than over the whole of last season. Nico Hulkenberg had indeed taken advantage of the rainy weather conditions in Melbourne to climb to seventh place. On a dry track, the team based in Hinwil has fallen into line in China.

« One was good, successful, Hulkenberg said at a press conference in Japan about the first two races of the year. The other one, no. It's quite simple, but overall, there were more positives than negatives. Getting the first points was important for us. In China, especially on Sunday, we struggled a bit – it wasn't really a representative race or result. However, the feeling in the car and within the team was pretty good, which makes me optimistic for the future. But as always, things are very tight in the midfield, and small margins can have a huge impact. »

« More or less, I see five teams – ten cars – within a few tenths of each other., adds the German. The top eight places are usually occupied by the four big teams, which doesn't leave much room for the others. But that's the challenge—it's everyone's job in the midfield. Whoever does the best job in the coming weeks and months will emerge victorious. »

While Jonathan Weathley took up his duties as Team Principal on Tuesday, April 1st, Nico Hülkenberg visited the factory of the ringed company for the first time.

« I was in Neuburg an der Donau last week for the first time – our power unit plant in Germany. It was very interesting to meet the people and see the facilities, to see what's happened in the last two years and how much they're growing. It was very interesting. As for Hinwil, there are still a lot of changes. There's still a lot of growth – improving the infrastructure, the people, the facilities – it's really a work in progress. »

ALSO READ > Sauber's new team principal takes up role ahead of Japanese GP

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Valentin GLO

Journalist. Endurance reporter (WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS) and sometimes F1 or IndyCar.

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1 Comment (s)

Yves-Henri RANDIER

04/04/2025 at 11:53 a.m.

In Neuburg an der Donau, did the Hulk see the future V10 running on the test benches?

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