Nico Hulkenberg satisfied after finding Haas’s ‘sweet spot’ in Abu Dhabi with top-three result in FP2

Nico Hulkenberg seemed remarkably fast on the opening day of motion on the Yas Marina Circuit for Haas, ending FP2 with the third-fastest lap after placing his automotive in “a cheerful place”.

In his last Friday outing for the American staff earlier than he strikes to Kick Sauber, the German driver dialled within the VF-24’s efficiency to fit in behind the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

FP2: Norris leads team mate Piastri and Hulkenberg during second practice in Abu Dhabi

He completed 0.462s off the tempo set by the papaya staff, offering a glimmer of hope for Haas’s aspirations of ending the season sixth within the constructors’ standings – they should outscore their nearest rivals, Alpine, by six factors this weekend.

He had one other sturdy consequence within the day’s first apply session when he clocked the sixth-fastest time, albeit narrowly behind Pierre Gasly who has scored nearly all of Alpine’s factors this season.