Barcelona: Sahara Force India`s Nico Hulkenberg drove 97 laps on the first day of the second pre-season testing here, finishing second fastest to compatriot and defending champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull.
Hulkenberg, only in his second full-day Tuesday in the car after the first testing in Jerez, clocked 1:23.440 for his quickest time to Vettel`s 1:23.265 at the Circuit de Catalunya.
The German, who replaced compatriot Adrian Sutil for the forthcoming season, topped the times sheets for most part of the morning session before Vettel came up with his best lap later in the day. The double World Champion was out for 79 laps.
Hulkenberg said he was satisfied with the performance of the VJM05.
"Once again it is good to do so many laps. It was only my second day in the car and I am still bedding in and getting used to things, but after each run I felt a bit more comfortable," said Hulkenberg.
"We started with some aero runs and more data gathering this morning, and then moved to longer runs in the afternoon. The car feels consistent and the drivability is good so I feel positive heading into tomorrow."
The 24-year-old added that he was surprised by the balance of the car.
"It was pretty good, surprisingly well. Maybe it suits a little bit better here than Jerez. I am also getting better. It is my second day, as Jerez was my first day after a long time out of the car. Each day, each kilometre is better."
Hulkenberg will be making way for teammate Pauli di Resta for the second half of the testing Thursday and Friday.
IANS
First Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 18:17