Hulkenberg faces grid drop in Hungary

Nico Hulkenberg will take a five-place grid penalty at the Hungarian Grand Prix following a gearbox change.

The Renault driver was seventh quickest in Friday’s practice at the Hungaroring with a best time of 1:19.714.

“We had to fight to find grip at times today, but this was just an aspect of a pretty usual Friday for us,” he said on Friday afternoon.

“The car feels pretty decent so it’s just the standard Friday working through the data to find the best balance and set-up for of tomorrow.”

News later broke concerning Hulkenberg’s grid penalty.

Renault found damage in the gearbox in the build-up to the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend and informed the FIA.

This has necessitated a change, which means a five-place grid penalty for the German.