Hakkinen: qualifying will be crucial

Overtaking is always difficult around the tight German circuit, which Hakkinen compared to Monaco regarding the number of passing opportunities.

"Qualifying is everything here, because you can't overtake," said the Finn. "It's like Monaco."

The first corner at the circuit has been changed for this year in a bid to create a clear overtaking opportunity, but several of the drivers are not expecting it to lead to a more exciting race this weekend.

Hakkinen admitted that it might make a difference for the first lap, and he said that he would be happy to be on either side of the front row because there will be a chance of getting into the lead for the person starting second on the grid.

"Here's it's important to qualify at the front, but not necessarily pole position," he said. "To be on the front row is the most important.

"Everything is about the first corner at the start. Qualifying will be very interesting though, because the field is very close."