Nico Hülkenberg optimally prepared for the Nürburgring
24.07.2008 - In the Formula 3 Euro Series pre-event tests for the races on the Nürburgring’s short layout (3.629 kilometres), Nico Hülkenberg (ART Grand Prix, 1:23.402 min) proved to be the quickest. Behind the German who currently holds fourth position in the championship, Christian Vietoris (Mücke Motorsport, 1:23,466 min), Mika Mäki (Mücke Motorsport, 1:23.764 min) and Tom Dillmann (Jo Zeller Racing, 1:23.891 min) finished second, third and fourth respectively.
“It’s always nice to secure a top position,” said Hülkenberg. “But today’s results don’t count at all. Succeeding on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be far more important. Nonetheless, the basis of the car is good. Now we just have to execute some fine-tuning measures.”
Hülkenberg’s team-mate Jon Lancaster (ART Grand Prix, 1:24.344 min) who finished eighth praised the German’s performance. “Nico’s lap was really good,” he said. “It tested another set-up but this wasn’t the only reason why he was that much quicker. But I hope that I will be able to match Nico’s pace tomorrow.”
Behind Christian Vietoris who may look forward to contesting a true home event, Mika Mäki finished third. “It wasn’t easy,” said the Finn. “We tested several things, particularly with regard to the qualifying. And there’s still some work waiting for us, as the 0.3-second gap to Christian is somewhat too big. But I think we are on a good way.”
For Tom Dillmann, today’s pre-event tests represented the first outing at the wheel of a Formula 3 car for nearly two months. “I hadn’t expected to make it to the positions at the front end of the field right away,” he admitted. “But with just five laps completed, I realised that the Jo Zeller Racing Car suits me better than the Dallara I raced for Team SG Formula until and including Pau.”
Following the three hours of testing, the Frenchman was really happy. “I’m delighted with being back in the Formula 3 Euro Series,” he beamed. “And I think I may be really happy about having secured fourth position in the first test for my new team.”
Brendon Hartley (RC Motorsport, 1:24.952 min), currently fifth in the British Formula 3 Championship, finished 23rd, in his first Formula 3 Euro Series appearance, while Daniel Ricciardo (SG Formula, 1:25453 min) came 28th, in his maiden Formula 3 Euro Series test.