Furthermore, team-mate
Rubens Barrichello is also something of a Hockenheim fan, although he has only finished half of the races he has started. Indeed, while he claimed his first ever win in 2000, that came around the longer Hockenheimring and has only scored points once more since the new circuit was built. Still, the Brazilian claims Hockenheim has a place close to his heart.
"My first victory in
Formula One came at the Hockenheimring back in 2000 so this circuit is very special for me, even though the layout changes mean that it is a different venue now from the track that I used to enjoy so much," continued the Brazilian. "It's still a good circuit for the drivers and the fans however, because overtaking is possible, particularly on the long straight with late braking, which can make the racing more exciting.
Red Bull Racing – David Coulthard (#14), Christian Klien (#15):
Having put in a sterling performance to haul a Red Bull car into the top ten shootout for the first time since Monaco, David Coulthard hopes of a third points finish in a row were ruined when a poor start dropped him behind
Nick Heidfeld, the German eventually claiming the final points spot as the Scot crossed the line an agonising ninth.
Nonetheless, Red Bull once again got both of their cars home in France and with reliability seemingly coming their way, the team will be chasing a repeat of their point winning exploits in 2005 when Coulthard claimed seventh place.
For Christian Klien, it will be a return to the circuit on which he has more experience of than many others, having competed in Germany during the lower formulas. Having finished tenth in 2004 and ninth in 2005, the Austrian will be determined to go at least one better and record his first point since the season opener in Bahrain, back in March.
BMW Sauber – Nick Heidfeld (#16), Jacques Villeneuve (#17):
Having caused a stir by debuting their oddball ‘nose wings’ in France, BMW Sauber returned to the points at Magny-Cours, even if their eighth place was a far cry from the result they were predicting following practice.
