Renault pair happy with double-Q3 appearance

Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz both made the final part of qualifying today, and both are content with their performance today. Hulkenberg will start from seventh with Sainz directly behind him in ninth.

Hulkenberg was the ‘best of the rest’, behind the top three teams, as Renault showed that they are as competitive if not more competitive than the Haas.

After qualifying, the German expressed his pleasure at reaching Q3 again.

“We achieved our qualifying mission and that’s a positive,” said Hulkenberg. “I’ve had a good feeling and good rhythm on the track this weekend and the balance of the car feels fine.”

Sainz agreed with Hulkenberg, and spoke about tomorrow’s race, where both Renaults will be aiming to score more points as they look to battle Haas and McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship.

“I’m looking forward to the race,” Sainz said. “We’ll assess out options and see how things pan out.

“Degradation is going to be a big concern but I’m sure we can start off with a good first stint and hopefully bring more points home.”

Renault sit in fifth, behind McLaren but in front of Toro Rosso and Haas.