The Hulk eyes elusive podium at Indian GP

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Fictional superheroes are known for springing surprises and saving the day. Sahara Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg — known as ‘The Hulk’ in the F1 paddock — lived up to his nickname in the chaotic Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The German’s stunning fourth place after starting 11th on the grid was the best race performance in his blossoming 31-Grand Prix career and Force India’s finest in the last three seasons.

Since achieving their maiden podium — Giancarlo Fisichella’s second spot at Spa in 2009 — and fourth-place finish (Adrian Sutil) the following weekend at Monza, Force India were never able to challenge the front-runners.

Hulkenberg’s result gained more significance when Force India dethroned rivals Williams from the seventh spot in the constructors’ championship with 59 points in 12 races.

As the fight between Sauber and Force India heats up for the sixth spot, Hulkenberg believes his team will be able to repeat last year’s show.

“We are all charged up, especially after the performance at Spa. I was running as high as second after overtaking Kimi Raikkonen at Eau Rouge, but couldn’t consolidate my position against the strong Renault.

The fact that I had good fights with Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) and Kimi underlines the improvement of our car.

I am pleased that VJM05 is in the same pace as the Mercedes machines. We have eight more races to go and it’s not difficult to catch Sauber (21 points ahead),” Hulkenberg told this newspaper.

Despite clinching the first pole position for Williams in over five years, Hulkenberg was acrimoniously shown the door at the end of the 2010 season. He joined Force India as a test driver the following year and was promoted in 2012.

Hulkenberg has already established himself in the competitive grid with a string of decent performances, but a podium continues to elude him.

The 25-year-old, who has won titles in GP2, F3 and A1 GP, says it would be a dream come true to end his podium drought at the Indian Grand Prix, which he calls the home race.

“Not just for me, it’s been a dream for the team members and shareholders. With that in mind, we have done a lot of hard work and the next few rounds are going to be crucial. It will be my first race in New Delhi and I am looking forward to it,” said Hulkenberg.

Having driven only midfield cars (Williams and Force India) in his F1 career, Hulkenberg may not have experienced the challenges of being a backmarker.

But the German says life is difficult at the back of the grid, in reference to cars such as Hispania, Marussia and Caterham. “They drive their own race.

It’s not easy when you have to keep looking at the rear-view mirrors and the blue flags to make way for the front-runners.

“Given all this, Narain Karthikeyan is doing a good job. He’s much closer to his experienced Spanish teammate Pedro de la Rosa,” said Hulkenberg.