Overtaking aplenty in Germany

Speaking at Silverstone a fortnight ago, Michael referred to the revised Hockenheim's Turn 6 as a good example of a track layout that encouraged overtaking.

The crucial factors were the wide approach and exit, allowing a variety of lines, with plenty of run-off, so that a driver does not risk putting himself out of the race if a move doesn't work. That, Michael said, allied to slow corners onto the preceding straight, allowed cars to follow closely.

Barcelona, he pointed out, has a similarly lengthy straight, but it is preceded by a fast right-hander where cars cannot follow closely due to the front wings losing their aerodynamic efficiency.

The number of moves witnessed at Turn 6 throughout the German Grand Prix validated Michael's comments, even if reworking existing circuits is not accepted as a truly viable proposition due to the costs involved.

Raising the front wings, as proposed by the FIA, should mean that the efficiency penalty for following closely through a quick corner is not so substantial, but it will still be there. Germany, though, was solid evidence that, where possible, future circuits should follow Hockenheim's lead.