Kaltenborn hails ‘unbelievable’ Nico

Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn has billed Nico Hulkenberg’s P3 in Monza qualifying as the “boost” the team needs…

Sauber team boss Monisha Kaltenborn has billed Nico Hulkenberg’s P3 in Monza qualifying as the “boost” the team needs.

In the midst of the difficult season, in which Sauber’s best qualifying performance ahead of Monza was the P9 Hulkenberg achieved in Canada, the German has pulled one out of the hat.

Making his way into Q3, he made the most of the situation, posting the afternoon’s third best time, only slower than the Red Bull racers.

“We couldn’t believe it ourselves,” Kaltenborn told BBC Sport. “This is fantastic.

“Nico said it himself, it was the perfect lap. I think he did a great job.

“It’s very important because it gives us the boost we need.”

The team boss, though, says Sauber need to remain grounded as they still have to come through Sunday’s 53-lap grand prix.

“We have to keep in mind this is just qualifying. I hope we can take this forward and get a good result tomorrow.”