Europe preview quotes: Bridgestone

Q. What are the challenges of the Nurburgring circuit?

KvdG: "After the flat of the former airfield of Silverstone, we now have the undulations of the Nurburgring which reflect the Eifel region in which it is based. We know this circuit pretty well. Tyre grip, traction and braking performance are all of great importance, especially in sectors one and three.

"The biggest challenge is our decision to bring the soft compound Bridgestone Potenza, as all our experience is based on this circuit in the spring. We will have to see if our predictions are correct.

"The Eifel region can produce unpredictable weather, so it's a little bit of an unknown for us. I believe we've made the right choice, but you never know with the Nurburgring!"

Q. There has been no testing at the Nurburgring this season, does this make a difference?

KvdG: "I can't remember the last time we tested at the Nurburgring, and this means that our only chance to confirm our tyre choice is at the race itself. It means that teams also have less data to work from.

"BMW Sauber were at the Nurburgring earlier this season, but any data collected from Nick Heidfeld's laps on the 20.8 km Nordschleife is not very useful for the forthcoming race. It would make me worry if Heidfeld took eight minutes to complete a lap for the Grand Prix!"