Nico Hülkenberg Excels in Suzuka Despite Limited Data in FP2
German driver Nico Hülkenberg showcased his skills during the second Free Practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix, setting the fastest time for Sauber and finishing ahead of teammate Gabriel Bortoleto. However, the session was marred by interruptions, with FP2 being halted four times, limiting the amount of valuable track time for all drivers.
Despite the challenges faced during FP2, Hülkenberg remained positive about his performance, highlighting the improvements made from FP1. He expressed his frustration at the limited data gathered due to the stoppages but acknowledged that it was a shared struggle among all teams. The 37-year-old driver mentioned, “It means we have limited data and information, but the car felt good and seemed to perform better than in FP1.”
Bortoleto, on the other hand, also showed progress during the practice sessions, with the Formula 2 champion enjoying his first experience at the iconic Suzuka circuit. Despite finishing at the bottom in his first session, Bortoleto remained optimistic, stating, “Today was a positive first day on track; I couldn’t wait to drive at Suzuka and enjoyed every second of it.”
Both drivers emphasized the challenges posed by the multiple red flag incidents in FP2, which disrupted their planned program. However, they are determined to analyze the data collected and make the necessary adjustments to optimize their performance for the upcoming sessions.
As the Japanese Grand Prix unfolds, Hülkenberg and Bortoleto are gearing up to overcome the obstacles thrown their way and make their mark on the track. Stay tuned for more updates as the action continues at Suzuka.