Schumacher, Coulthard Approve Track Changes

Both World Champion Michael Schumacher and rival David Coulthard believe that the new layout of the Nurburgring circuit will allow the fans to get a better view of Sunday's European Grand Prix.

The German circuit has been revised for this year's race, with a new twisty section increasing the track's length by almost 600 meters, what is estimated to amount for an extra 15 seconds per lap.

Schumacher saw the changes from a helicopter on Thursday, and was happy with the new layout.

"I have had a look at the changes to the circuit and I think they look good," said Schumacher. "The organisers have come up with something interesting, which should provide more overtaking opportunities, and it is has also improved the spectator viewing facilities."

McLaren driver Coulthard agreed with Schumacher in that the new complex will provide spectators with a better view of the action, but the Scot doesn't think the tighter first corner will mean more overtaking.

"I had a look around yesterday and there are some quite low speed, tight corners," added Coulthard.

"It obviously creates a little bit more viewing for the spectators in that area but I don't think it will do anything particularly for the racing because the straight is relatively short, and usually when you have a hairpin you would think naturally that would create overtaking opportunities but I think it will only be like in the past if somebody makes a mistake off the last corner."