Hulkenberg wants French GP success for home team Renault

Nico Hulkenberg says he is "very much" looking forward to taking part in his first French Grand Prix and wants to perform well for his team, Renault, who are returning to the Circuit Paul Ricard as a F1 constructor team for the first time in 28 years.

The French GP returns after a decade away this weekend, with Renault hoping to perform in front of their home fans, and Hulkenberg is eager to live up to expectations for the French team.

"I’m very much looking forward to racing at Circuit Paul Ricard," the German told formula1.com

"It’s been a long time coming for Renault, 10 years since their last race on home soil, so I’m carrying that extra level of motivation to do the job proud on track. I know how much this means to the staff members of the team!"

Hulkenberg's team-mate, Carlos Sainz, believes that Renault can take plenty of confidence going into the Paul Ricard following their positive display in Canada, as the tracks share similarities in their design.

"We’re coming from a very strong team result in Canada so I think we can be positive about that," Sainz assured.

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"We need to keep developing the car at this rate, as everything we are bringing to the circuit is working and the car is getting quicker and quicker.

"Paul Ricard has quite similar characteristics to Montréal, with the two long straights and emphasis on a good top speed so if we can perform in a similar manner to Canada we’ll be happy."

Renault may have a German and a Spanish driver behind the wheel, but they have a Frenchman in their ranks in team boss, Cyril Abiteboul, who admits it is an emotional return home for Renault.

"The return of the French Grand Prix is going to carry an added level of emotion for all at Renault," Abiteboul also told formula 1.com.

"Everyone who works for the marque is proud of our heritage at this event. We head to Circuit Paul Ricard on the back of a positive result in Montréal, where we demonstrated, once more, our excellent team spirit. We recovered from a difficult start to the weekend to take ten points and a healthy step forward in the Constructors’ Championship."