Hartley: ‘Looking forward to tackling Silverstone in a modern Formula One car’

It has not been an ideal return to Formula One for 28-year-old New Zealander Brendon Hartley, who continues to struggle in the No.28 car of Scuderia Toro Rosso with one solitary point in the 2018 season.

Hartley has failed to finish in three of his last four races dating back to the Monaco Grand Prix, which was won by former Tech 1 teammate Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) during the pair’s days in Formula Renault 3.5 Series

The 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, who moved from the FIA World Endurance Championships back to Formula One series racing this season after spending three years as a reserve driver earlier in his career (2008-2010), is looking forward to returning to Milton Keynes for the start of the British Grand Prix this weekend (July 8).

“I have good memories of living in Milton Keynes, not far from Silverstone, for seven years or so, which was a big chunk of my life,” Hartley stated in the team’s official pre-race press release. “Silverstone has so much history and it’s a very quick track where everyone loves Copse, Maggotts and Becketts corners.

Joining Hartley is Toro Rosso teammate Pierre Gasly (FRA) in the No.10 car. Despite several setbacks this season, Hartley firmly believes a reversal of fortunes is due thanks in part to the recent upgrades in the duos race cars.

“I think we can be in good shape following the power unit upgrade that came in Canada, and then the aero update in Austria also arrived at the right time because at this track you need as much downforce as possible,” claimed Hartley, referring to the car’s setup for the 52-lap, 306-kilometre race on Sunday. “I’m looking forward to tackling this circuit in a modern Formula One car, because it’s going to be crazy quick.

“I’m hoping for a strong weekend and some better luck than in recent races.”