Halfway through Lap 26 of the British Grand Prix will mark the central point of the 2010 Formula 1 season. Before visiting a new-look Silverstone, GPUpdate.net reviews each driver’s performances, including highs and lows, from the first nine races of a highly dramatic championship.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During the silly season last year, when guessing exactly which newcomers would be on the 2010 grid, Hülkenberg’s was just about the only name we could be sure of. The GP2 Champion impressed many in 2009, not least Sir Frank Williams, and in the Englishman’s team now has a steady foothold from which to launch his Formula 1 career.
On the face of it, the 22-year-old from Emmerich is the perfect package as a modern-day F1 driver; good looking for sponsors, technical – having spent much of last year working in Williams’ Grove factory – and, most importantly, quick on the track. However, it’s unfortunate to be able to say that the first half of his current season has been a good example of how past results do not always guarantee future success.
It all has to be weighed out, obviously. He’s up against Rubens Barrichello – the most experienced driver in the history of the sport. The car hasn’t been ideal, even at the best of times, although with Hülkenberg you can’t say that his first nine races have been any worse than Nico Rosberg’s in 2006; okay, the latter was closer to the front because the car was quicker then, but just about as many mistakes were made.
Bahrain was a typical start, featuring a spin on Lap 3, although the first point had already come by Round 3. After qualifying just four thousandths down on Barrichello in Montreal, the duo’s grid-deciding times were identical in Valencia. So, to cut a long story short, Hülkenberg’s first nine races have been short of spectacular although, compared with Barrichello, he’s on the pace – it’s looking good.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlight: Picking up a World Championship point on only his third attempt, in Malaysia, after starting in a superb fifth place on the grid
Lowlight: Furiously losing out on a second top ten result when exhaust tailpipe cracks in Valencia
Championship position: 17th (126 points off lead)
Grid positions: 13-15-5-16-13-11-17-12-8
Average grid position: 12th
Finishing positions: 14-R-10-15-16-R-17-13-R
Average finishing position: 17th
Retirements: 3 (Australia - hit by out-of-control Kobayashi in heavy first-lap crash, Monaco - front wing damage causes big impact in tunnel, Europe - cracked exhaust tailpipe ends chance of points finish)
Series
Formula 1
Personalities
Nico Hülkenberg
Teams
Williams
Other
DTM Tickets (best price guarantee!) at Sportstadium.com
| Nico Hülkenberg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| More Nico Hülkenberg photos | |||
English
Nederlands
Español
Italiano
