Indeed, both drivers are particularly looking forward to the ’atmospheric’ circuit, with Monteiro eager to impress the crowds, even if he admits that it is perhaps not him they will be cheering on.
"I’m looking forward to Hockenheim, as I like the atmosphere at the circuit. It’s probably the best in the world, especially for the spectators in the stadium section. Even as a driver, you can’t escape the enthusiasm and I’m hoping there will be plenty of fans there, even if most of them will be cheering for a certain German driver!
While he may not be German, Albers is nonetheless anticipating having his own pocket of supporters courtesy of the race being one of the closest to his Dutch fan base. Indeed, having raced in DTM, F3000 and Formula Three, Albers is something of a Hockenheim veteran, something he hopes will pay off this year.
"I really enjoy the two German races, perhaps because they are the closest grand prix events to Holland, so we always get a good turnout of Dutch supporters. The atmosphere in Hockenheim is always lively; the fans are really into it and the noise from the grandstand stadium section is just incredible. The circuit itself is also one of my favourites - I've raced on it many times during my DTM, F3000 and F3 days, so I know the track quite well.”
Scuderia Toro Rosso – Vitantonio Liuzzi (#20), Scott Speed (#21):
After a relatively uneventful French Grand Prix, Scuderia Toro Rosso are looking ahead to Hockenheim with the hope of keeping the pressure on the mid-field runners.
Indeed, with M
F1 improving with every race and
Super Aguri unleashing their new car, the margin for error at the back end of the grid could potentially be minimal this weekend. Still,
STR proved they could compete with their ‘superiors’ again in France, even if they are still to readily challenge the likes of
BMW and
Toyota in the scrap for the points
Renault,
Ferrari and
McLaren happen to drop.
