Hulkenberg: Austin one of the ‘coolest’ races of the year

Nico Hulkenberg has hailed the US Grand Prix in Austin as one of the ‘coolest’ on the calendar.

The race has become a firm favourite among drivers with the German praising the ‘brilliant atmosphere’ at the Texas track.

The 29-year-old, who recently announced his departure from Force India, also praised COTA as one of the best circuits on the current calendar:

“I think COTA is one of the best tracks among the recent introductions to the calendar – they did a superb job with the layout. Sector one is very quick, with a great flow and high speeds. The whole lap has a good rhythm and overtaking is possible so you usually see some great racing.”

2015 witnessed a thrilling US Grand Prix which saw an exciting battle between the Red Bull and Mercedes drivers in treacherous conditions:

“Last year was a very weird race, with some crazy rain on Saturday. When you get really wet weather, it adds to the challenge, because you have to keep focus while waiting around for the sessions to restart.

“You need to switch off and then be able to switch on again, but that’s part of being a racing driver.”

Hulkenberg’s teammate Sergio Perez also sang his praises of The Circuit of the Americans:

“Before Mexico joined the calendar, Austin felt like a home race for me so I am always happy to go there, to be close to home and to be able to spend a bit of time with my family and friends at the circuit.

“I always have guests with me and there are so many fans who make the trip from Mexico to see the race in Austin. The whole place comes alive at night and there are so many bars and restaurants to enjoy.”

The Mexican identified the unique challenges that the Austin track presents:

“Turn one is very tricky: you get to the top of the hill and the apex is blind, so you can’t really see where you’re going or the best line into the corner. You take a leap of faith and just go for it, and if you hesitate it’s very easy to turn in too late and lose precious time.

“You get hints of Monza in the big braking zones, a reminder of Silverstone in the fast corners and it makes for a very interesting lap. It’s quite different from your average Formula One environment and it makes for a very welcome change.”

Heading into this weekend’s American Grand Prix, the 26-year-old currently sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with 80 points and two podium finishes to his name.