Taking place later than it has done in recent years, warmer temperatures are anticipated, but – much like in the UK – the adverse weather conditions currently afflicting much of Western Europe can potentially throw a curve ball.
“After the flat of the former airfield of
Silverstone, we now have the undulations of the Nurburgring which reflect the Eifel region in which it is based. We know this circuit pretty well. Tyre grip, traction and braking performance are all of great importance, especially in sectors one and three.
“The biggest challenge is our decision to bring the soft compound
Bridgestone Potenza, as all our experience is based on this circuit in the spring. We will have to see if our predictions are correct. The Eifel region can produce unpredictable weather, so it’s a little bit of an unknown for us. I believe we’ve made the right choice, but you never know with the Nurburgring!”
THE TRACK:
Race Distance: 60 laps - Circuit Length 3.199 miles (5.148km)
Germany's Nurburgring is decidedly tame by comparison to its intimidating 14 mile, 174 corner predecessor – the world famous Nordschleife. Further changes to the old track came in 2002 when the first turn was reprofiled to cut into the infield and around a new stadium section, slowing the track even more, but yielding another overtaking spot.
The circuit remains a fairly high downforce track that is light on both brakes and tyres. To achieve a competitive lap time here requires all the normal chassis attributes: good traction (particularly out of the hairpins), good chassis balance and stability under braking, and the best possible compromise between downforce and straight-line speed.
The Nurburgring has the full mixture of slow through to high-speed corners, from the revised first turn, hairpin and chicane, to the double medium-speed 'S' bends and the very high speed 'S' after the hairpin. It also features a lot of undulation change, which is unusual for most modern circuits. As the circuit is situated close to the Eifel Mountains, weather can often play a major role in the outcome of races.
THE WINNER?
After a rather anti-climatic British Grand Prix from the patriotic point of view,
Lewis Hamilton is arguably better positioned to reclaim his spot at the top of the podium this weekend at the Nurburgring. His adoptive home when he raced in the Formula 3 Euroseries, Hamilton’s envious record at the circuit in other formulae makes him a good favourite.
