Hülkenberg: "Renault has fixed its weaknesses"
- Published on 07 Mar 2018 18:52
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- By: Rob Veenstra
The new Renault car is better in every way, according to driver Nico Hulkenberg. One analysis from the Barcelona testing is that the French works team is ready to step up to become 'best of the rest' behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull.
"I would not call ourselves a secret favourite, but we did our homework and fixed our weaknesses," German driver Hulkenberg told Kolner Express newspaper. "I have more speed, grip, driveability -- a little of everything," he added.
The yellow and black car is also raising eyebrows at its rear end, with the exhaust pipe directed upwards to blow air onto the specially heat-treated rear wing. "We are fine tuning what we have here and then we will be well prepared for battle," Hulkenberg said in Barcelona.
The next step will reportedly be a new aero package that will be fitted for the last days of winter testing. Renault's clear goal is to unseat Force India for fourth place in the constructors' championship.
"We have to show that we can safely finish among the top four," technical boss Bob Bell told Auto Motor und Sport. "Only then will the company issue the cheques to further upgrade the team," he revealed. (GMM)
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Replies (15)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Great news. It's also now or never for Nico. His bad luck and silly mistakes have kept him from getting on the podium many times . But I don't think there's any doubt that he has tremendous potential. The midfield is looking so much more exciting than the battle at the front.
Kean
Posts: 692
Agreed. But I do so hope that Sainz spanks him this year, I just don't like Hulkenberg albeit the fact that he is a great driver. As for the midfield, it is looking exciting. Right now it seems like Renault will end up fourth, but it won't come easy though. Between 5-9 there will be a tight fought battle between Mclaren, Toro Rosso, Haas and Force India it seems. Sadly I think that Sauber will need another year before they can battle in the middle. Hopefully, with such an assumed tight midfield, 2018 will become a battle between drivers more so than the material they're in.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
@Kean I keep reading this same thing about Hulkenberg... that he's a jerk or whatever. What happened? The only time I've ever seen him make news for stuff other than racing was the incident with Kevin Magnussen, and in that case, it was Kevin who looked like a jackass. Did something else happen?
Kean
Posts: 692
There was an interview with swedish media where he acted like a diva. The reporter was doing his job, the questions were straight forward, and yet he cut the interview short and walked out. Apparently, there had been "somebody" there whom he was trying to impress by belittling the reporter. Just became embarrassing. Also his comments about grid girls, I just find him off putting.
RenaultFM1
Posts: 100
www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3H03sYORYs
RenaultFM1
Posts: 100
@kean...Hulkeberg is not just a Diva but so very arrogant..just see the link that I posted here how he got shamed and had to walk away like a little-spoiled boy. For sure all the Renualt staff that Kevin worked with here got a good laugh like the rest of us. Hulkenberg still has no podium...His last season for Renault if he does not win over Sainz this season.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
LOL diva, arrogant bla bla all of that pretty matches up with Kevin, you sure your cognitive faculties are still in order? It's either that or just a honest case of miss identification. Anyway fixed that for you.
RenaultFM1
Posts: 100
"RENAULT HAS FIXED ITS WEAKNESSES" No they still have contract with you Hulkenberg But next year you will be gone so Grojean can take over. His speed and personnality is so much better than yours.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Grosjean would be a better fit than Hulk could ever be for Renualt, and Hulk might join Sauber, who knows?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Grosjean? A better personality? Romain "He Hit Me" Grosjean has a good personality? Ha. Haha.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Oh look all the danish fanbois have come out in force just because Hulkenberg is getting some positive news. You lot are just dipshits, Magnussen is nothing good, just another also ran-in F1. Deal with it.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
All these fanbois? I just see one, and a Swede. And I sorta symphatize with the Swede. I generally liked Hulk pretty well, especially his driving style, but his arrogance is tedious. Im not sure if I find Sainz to be much better, but its probably healthy for Hulk to have a more evenly matched team mate.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
What arrogance are you talking about? The only thing of late was his comments about grid girls being eye jewellery. That's not arrogance that's just being misguided in his notions of women. A lot of men these days have such views, they are just being uncivilized when it comes to certain topics.
But talk about Kevin, while I will be the first to support him for speaking his mind, you have to admit he is a dickhead most of the time with the on track actions and words. Now fanbois from Denmark are all supportive of their driver what a shocka, not. Hypocrisyville
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah, not too fond of KMags behaviour either, especially not his newfound aggressiveness on track.
Norbert
Posts: 108
Under rated driver. He just needed the right machine and Renault has gotten all serious starting this year. I can’t believe they gave up a dominant position in formula-e, giving the business over to partner Nissan, so they could focus entirely on F1. Yea the hulk fancies himself, but they all do. This is his year.