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Hulkenberg 8th, Perez 16th in Chinese GP qualifying

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Press Trust of India Shanghai
Sahara Force India's Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez set the eighth and 16th fastest time at a wet Chinese Grand Prix qualifying here today.

With damp conditions developing in qualifying for the third time in four races, both Hulkenberg and Perez struggled with car balance at a slippery Shanghai International Circuit.

However, Hulkenberg felt he was in good shape for points in the race tomorrow.

"It was very wet out there and I was struggling a bit with the car balance under braking, but all in all I think we're in a good starting position for the race," said the German, who has contributed to the team's best ever start to a season by scoring 28 of the 44 points.
 

"Tomorrow's weather should improve and we ran in the dry yesterday so we know what to expect and will adapt to any conditions. It will be interesting to see the tyre development through the race because graining is a classic feature of this track, but I'm confident we can work around it and make the tyres last," he added.

The session was tougher for Perez, who has struggled so far this weekened, two weeks after achieving Force India's first podium in five years and pushing the Silverstone squad to second in the team standings.

"It was not an easy session and the truth is that I've been struggling with the car balance all weekend. I think the wet weather today exaggerated those issues and it leaves me P16 and feeling a bit disappointed," said the Mexican.

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First Published: Apr 19 2014 | 6:13 PM IST

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