Germany preview quotes: Bridgestone

Hirohide Hamashima - Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development

What are the challenges of the Nurburging?

"The Nurburgring circuit features an interesting mixture of very fast, medium fast and slow corners, so finding the correct set-up compromise is a challenge for competitors. Our tyre allocation of the medium and super soft Bridgestones should mean exciting racing. Sectors one and three are more demanding on tyre grip, traction and braking performance than in the middle sector, and it is an exciting undulating circuit. The first corner, which has a variety of racing lines, and the chicane provide good overtaking opportunities. Braking balance is also important here and care has to be taken not to lock-up and flat- spot the tyres when slowing."

Are there particular weather considerations?

"Last time we visited this circuit there was a very exciting wet weather race. The location of the Nurburgring, in the Eifel region of Germany, does often present unpredictable weather. The time of year should mean quite hot weather, but we have previously seen quite cool temperatures there, even in the summer. When we look back on Bridgestone's history at the Nurburgring, we've even seen snow on a DTM race weekend in April, so we never know quite what to expect!"