Hulkenberg reveals Vettel "insight" to prepare for Bahrain challenge

Ewan Gale
Friday 18 March 2022 20:30

Nico Hulkenberg has revealed how a conversation with Sebastian Vettel to gain "insight" has helped to prepare him for his latest substitute appearance.

The four-time world champion is absent for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix having tested positive for Covid-19, with his compatriot Hulkenberg standing in for the third time since the pandemic began in 2020.

Hulkenberg showed great performance when filling in for Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll at short notice that year, with signs he can pull off a repeat this time around by finishing only a second adrift of the Canadian in second practice.

Addressing his first experience of the Aston Martin, Hulkenberg said: “I think today was promising for me, it was all about getting up to speed with the car.

"I spoke to Sebastian yesterday and he gave me his feedback and insight, so it is always good to have that preparation before jumping into the car.

"However, I was surprised by how different it was, the feel of the tyre, in particular, and the braking process. I am happy with my feeling in the car, though, and how I was able to build on every run to feel more and more comfortable.

"There is always room for more and we will keep working to make progress. This weekend will be a good challenge and I will enjoy every lap in the car.”

Stroll - Aston Martin times 'not representative'

Stroll endured a mixed session, with promising potential dented by a mistake on his fastest lap before being given a reprimand for contact with Yuki Tsunoda after the chequered flag fell to end the day.

After finishing 16th, he insisted: "I do not think our times today were representative:

"I ran wide at Turn 11 on my Soft tyre run, but I am happy with our overall progress. I am looking forward to fighting for the best possible grid position tomorrow.

"I also want to say that Nico did a good job today after a late call-up, it is not easy to jump back in after time away.”