Nico Hulkenberg secured Renault's best-ever qualifying finish since its full return to the sport 18 months ago when he set the sixth fastest lap overall.
The German racer put his R.S.17 into a superb sixth position in the rain-affected session, his fifth Q3 appearance, after China, Bahrain, Russia and Canada and his best qualifying since joining Renault Sport Formula One Team at the start of the year.
After penalties further up the field, (Valtteri Bottas losing five grid places for a gearbox change) Nico will start the British Grand Prix in fifth place.
“Today we had a very successful qualifying and will start the race just behind the top teams,” Nico said. “I had a good rhythm and we had good times. The team made the right calls for the right track conditions; there was a nice flow. I was feeling calm and confident with the car so I was able to produce a good lap."
"The upgrades we brought here this weekend seemed to also have played their part in our step forward. That said, tomorrow's race is the true test. Let's try and have a clean race. We'll push very hard and I'll be very happy to bring points home.”
