Szafnauer: 'That is the main reason why Hulkenberg is in the car'

Even Nico Hülkenberg himself did not know this morning that he was going to qualify for the Eifel Grand Prix today, but he is back. This weekend the German Lance replaces Stroll, who does not feel 100%. Team boss Otmar Szafnauer explains why Racing Point chose Hülkenberg.

"Hülkenberg was already on his way to the circuit to do some work for RTL", says Szafnauer in conversation with Sky Sports F1. Stoffel Vandoorne was also at the circuit today, but was not put in the car at Racing Point.

Prefer Hulkenberg behind the wheel

"Vandoorne is the official reserve driver, but the main reason why Nico is in the car is because he already knows the car", Szafnauer continues. This is not the first time we have seen the Hulk in the RP20, as he replaced Sergio Perez in the two Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Hülkenberg is familiar with both the car and the track, but doesn't know a combination of the two yet. During this morning's free practice session, Hülkenberg could not yet get into action. The advantage he has is that the other drivers have only been able to train for one hour.