NICO Hulkenberg is urging Renault to build on a solid start to the Formula 1 season in this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Enstone-based team sit fifth in the constructors’ standings with 25 points after three races.

Hulkenberg has picked up 22 of those and is eyeing a fourth successive top-ten finish, with the team debuting a chassis upgrade in Baku.

The German said: “It’s a positive start to the season.

“It’s good to be at the front end of the midfield.

“It’s important to keep picking up a good number of points to make sure we are in the hunt.

“It’s about continuing on this upward trajectory and putting the work in to make sure we are ahead of our rivals.”

Teammate Carlos Sainz finished ninth in China a fortnight ago and is hopeful of improvement.

He said: “ I have had the chance to try different set-ups in the car.

“I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction.

“We have to keep up the good work and always try to improve to bring as many points home as possible.”