Nico Hulkenberg was pleased to help Renault to another ‘best of the rest’ qualifying performance as the German finished seventh in a tricky qualifying session at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Hulkenberg maintained his 100% record of out-qualifying his teammate Jolyon Palmer – who was 11th – and would impressively come out on top in a fierce battle with the team Renault will partner from next year.
After the practice sessions and in Q1 and Q2, McLaren looked set to be the team in charge behind the top three teams, if not sneak into the top 6, but when it all counted it was the 30-year-old who was able to produce a solid lap to put him ahead in seventh.
“It’s pole position in our world, behind the top teams,” he joked. “I’m very happy to start seventh, it was a good effort from the team, very happy also with how we’ve done it.”
What made the result feel even better for Hulkenberg was the fact his team were the underdogs in that battle till Q3 where they managed to finish ahead when it all mattered.
“I had a nice battle with McLaren in qualifying today. They had the upper hand until the last lap, where I managed to squeeze a really good lap out.”
Talking about his expectations for the race and whether they can keep that form or not the German added: “We have a strong package here this weekend. Everyone gave us the best possible chance to have a good race.
“We know the Singapore Grand Prix is unpredictable, anything can happen. You just have to be ready and stay on your toes for the entire race.”
