• Brazilian Grand Prix

Hulkenberg happy with eighth

ESPNF1 Staff
November 7, 2010 « Webber happy with team orders stance | »
Hulkenberg showed good defensive driving to keep Lewis Hamilton behind him © Getty Images
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Nico Hulkenberg said he was happy to have finished eighth in the Brazilian Grand Prix despite starting the race from pole position.

The Williams driver enjoyed a reasonable start off the line but was soon passed by both Red Bull drivers and Fernando Alonso before a good exhibition of defensive driving saw him repulse Lewis Hamilton's best efforts to pass.

"I am happy with that result because I gave it everything today; there wasn't anything left in me to give! I was struggling quite a lot with the car, it really wasn't easy to drive, but I kept Kubica behind me all the way," said Hulkenberg. "The team did a great pitstop and chose the right strategy; we just needed some more car pace. Even though we started on pole, my expectations for the race were to finish between fifth and tenth, so P8 is fine and it means we are now sixth in the constructors' championship."

In contrast, team-mate Rubens Barrichello endured yet another disappointing home race at a circuit he appears to be cursed at.

"We had a faulty pitstop today which we need to investigate," said Barrichello. "I was happy with my pace though. Unfortunately, after one of my overtaking attempts on Alguersuari, he ran over me which destroyed my front tyre so I had to come in again. I just came in too many times to score points. I'm sorry for all the Brazilians who came here wanting a different result. All I can say is that I gave it my all until the very end."

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