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He’s back! (again)

Nico Hulkenberg will reprise his role as a stand-in for Sergio Perez this weekend for the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. Despite completing his required quarantine period, Perez returned a positive test result for COVID-19.

Therefore, the German gets a second shot behind the wheel of the RP20 at Silverstone.

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Hulkenberg’s participation shouldn’t come as a big surprise considering Perez would only return, had he tested negative. In many ways, it’s a win-win.

Not to extract to any joy from Checo’s condition, but as he’s physically well and gets a race weekend off to rest and recover. More importantly, Hulkenberg can finally show the F1 world what he’s capable of in the right car.

“I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone,” said Hulkenberg, as quoted by Racing Point. “Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.

“I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend. Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed.”

The German asserted that his aim for the 70th Anniversary GP was to bring home the points. “I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery.”

Last week, Nico Hulkenberg returned to F1 after over 200 days since his last Grand Prix in 2019. The German driver left a lasting impression on fans and Formula 1 pundits by qualifying P13, however, could not start the British Grand Prix due to technical issues.

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Many fans were rooting for “The Hulk” to clinch a podium in F1 last week. If we get another crazy race like last weekend, Hulkenberg might just sneak into the top 3.

“Nico did a really strong job last weekend after receiving a last-minute call to drive for us at Silverstone, and he proved why he was an obvious choice to stand in for Checo,” said team boss Otmar Szafnauer.

Racing Point didn’t carry over their impressive form from the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Silverstone-based outfit could only manage a ninth-place finish after a difficult race.

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Can the team bounce back this weekend?

SOURCE- Racing Point F1