Abu Dhabi, Nov 23 (IANS) Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg is aiming to finish in the top-10 of the Formula 1 drivers’ standings ahead of the season ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix here this weekend.
“The final race of the season is always important because you want to finish the season well and carry the momentum into the winter months. We have already secured fifth in the (constructors’) championship but I want to make sure I end the season in top-10 of the drivers’ championship so there is still a lot to play for,” said the German.
Hulkenberg is currently 10th in the drivers’ standings with 52 points. He is 16 points behind his teammate Sergio Perez, who is ninth, while only three points off 11th placed Romain Grosjean of Lotus.
“Abu Dhabi is a fun place for the season finale. The venue is great and the twilight racing helps create a special atmosphere. As a track, it’s not easy to get a good lap as the layout is very technical, especially in the final sector. It’s quite easy to come into a corner too hot and make a mistake, and finding a good flow is a big challenge,” said the 28-year-old.
This will be the seventh race at the 5.5 km Yas Marina Circuit.
Hulkenberg has had a topsy-turvy season with five retirements and one Did Not Start (DNS) while his best finish was sixth in Austria, Japan and the last race in Brazil.
“Brazil was a very enjoyable weekend for me. The car felt great and we maximised every session to come away with a well deserved result. We can realistically aim for a similar performance this weekend. It’s been a great year for everyone in the team and we deserve to finish on a high,” said the German.