Nico Hulkenberg says his previous years experience with Renault will prove “a good advantage” heading into the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The German will contest in his second year with the Enstone outfit having switched from Force India in 2017, finishing his first season with a top 10 position in the drivers’ championship.
Renault goes into 2018 in good shape compared to previous years, with the team enduring a competitive pre-season as it aims to consolidate its position as the fourth-fastest team on merit.
Hulkenberg is yet to brush off the unwanted record of most races without a podium finish, nevertheless, the 30-year-old is eager to hit the track and drive the car in anger for the first time in Melbourne.
“I’m ready to go and I can’t wait to get the season underway,” Hulkenberg said.
“Australia is one of my favourite races because Melbourne is a great city, and the fans are always fantastic, knowledgeable, passionate for motorsport and know a lot about Formula 1.
“I really enjoy Melbourne as it’s a comfortable and very relaxed atmosphere there. It’s a good way to kick-off the season as everyone is pumped and very excited to get into the car and race.”
Having alternated driving duties with team-mate Carlos Sainz in testing, Hulkenberg believes, from his time spent behind the wheel, Renault has made clear gains from last year over the winter.
Asked if he was heading to Melbourne confident of a strong result, Hulkenberg said: “I feel positive. We’ve collected a lot of miles and data over winter testing which isn’t always the case, so that’s really beneficial to the team.
“I have a year’s worth of experience with the Renault family so that’s a good advantage for the first race. We’ve certainly made progress, not just over the whole of 2017 but also over the winter.
“We won’t know anything, or where we’re at exactly, until Saturday’s qualifying. I’m ready for that challenge and excited to get down to it and give it my all.
“Once you’re sat in the car, on the grid and watching the lights, it’s business as usual and I’m buzzing to experience that feeling again.”
