Despite the name, this is effectively the German Grand Prix, with the title only having been changed after Hockenheim and the Nurgburgring failed to agree on that part of the decision to share Germany's round of the world championship for the foreseeable future.
Hit by falling attendances and rising costs, Germany's two major venues decided to pool their efforts in retaining at least one race on the calendar, with the Nurburgring being accorded the first event of the 'date share' plan, albeit having to use the European Grand Prix title. While the usual comparisons will be made between Nurburgring new and old, the current version isn't as bad as the purists would have you believe and has produced the odd decent race over the years.
It remains to be seen what impact
Michael Schumacher's retirement will have on the crowd figures, although
Nick Heidfeld's current run of form may be enough to tempt a few doubters through the gate. With Schumacher due to be immortalised with the renaming of corners in his honour - the 'Schumacher S' will replace the Audi and Shell Kurves that mark the circuit's return uphill from the Dunlop hairpin - and expected on track to mark the occasion there will still be something for the faithful to cheer.
That is unlikely to detract from the battle for supremacy on track, however, with
McLaren fighting a rearguard action against a resurgent
Kimi Raikkonen in recent races. The Finn, who has always run well at the 'Ring, will be looking to complete a hat-trick of race wins this weekend, while Mercedes-powered
Fernando Alonso and points leader
Lewis Hamilton will looking to give the Three-Pointed Star a home win to preserve their advantage at the head of the standings.
FIA F1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS
With more and more information slipping out in drips, the
Formula 1 world remains captivated by the spying row that has engulfed
Ferrari, McLaren and potentially even
Honda. Although claims and counter claims make it difficult to exactly establish who is at fault, what is being accused, or who exactly is involved, what is clear is that the increasingly bitter – and bizarre – row is casting a dark shadow over the sport and this year’s otherwise exciting title race.
