Hulkenberg defends Renault tactics after no-showing qualifying

Nico Hulkenberg has defended the decision by Renault to sit out qualifying two in Russia in order to secure a stronger grid position. Both he and teammate Carlos Sainz did not set a time in the second session of qualifying in order to secure preferable strategy for the race.

Speaking after qualifying, the Renault man admitted that the tactics employed by the French outfit might not have been the most entertaining, but that the team needed to do what was necessary for a competitive race.

Renault will start P11 and P12 after sitting out qualifying two after grid penalties relegated both Red Bull's and the Toro Rosso of Pierre Gasly to the back of the grid.

The decision means that Renault will have free choice to start the Russian Grand Prix on whatever tyre they wish, most likely the ultrasoft tyre due to its ability to last longer into the race, opening up the possibility of a one-stop strategy.