Hulkenberg, 6th place on the grid… and big points in Singapore?

Nico Hulkenberg, the best of the others in Singapore. The German, used to Q3 this season, achieved a small feat by setting the 6th fastest time in qualifying on Saturday, on the Marina Bay circuit. A crucial starting position on a very physically demanding urban track, with rare and often difficult overtaking moves. The 37-year-old driver will start in the middle of the Top Teams single-seaters, behind the Red Bull de Max Verstappen Mercedes Benz and McLaren, but especially in front of the two Classic Ferrari for sale, victims of various mishaps during Q3 and relegated to the fifth row.

“I’m very happy, it was a solid qualifying from the team. I had a good feeling and confidence in the car, which is crucial here and on street circuits in general, and something I missed a bit last week., confided Nico Hülkenberg, who had notably fell out of the points in the final laps of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last Sunday. I'm happy, we didn't leave much and we maximised the session. I think we were the fifth fastest team today. We have a big job to do tomorrow and we have to finish it; we have to stay focused and bring [points] home."

A result that also pleased Ayao Komatsu. The Team Principal saw Nico Hülkenberg's 6th place as a golden opportunity to score big points, while the fight for 6th place in the Constructors' Championship took a new turn with the strong comeback of Williams behind. Haas is in 7th place, 5 points behind Racing Bulls and 13 points ahead of Williams.

“What can I say: 6th in qualifying in Singapore is an incredible team effort., rejoices the Japanese leader. It’s an incredible result and I’m very happy for everyone. (…) Both Nico and Kevin have adapted to the new conditions and in qualifying the operational performance of the session throughout Q1, Q2 and Q3 was superb. It’s a great starting point and we’ll try to finish the job by scoring points.”

However, it will be necessary to resist the return of the faster cars behind, notably the Ferraris which showed a strong race pace during Free Practice, but also against the Racing Bulls of Yuki tsunoda who will start just behind Nico Hülkenberg on the grid, in 8th place. "I expect a tough battle. Tyre management will be key, as always., the German emphasizes. It's a very physical race, but I feel well prepared, fit and ready for it. I'm not worried from that point of view." 

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