Germany Preview Quotes: Michelin

Pierre Dupasquier, motorsport director: "Things could hardly have gone better for us in last year's corresponding fixture. We obtained pole position, won the race, monopolised the top six positions and set fastest lap. That's a good omen â€" but the most important thing is that our most recent tyre tests have delivered extremely encouraging results. It promises to be an interesting weekend. We are fortunate to have great strength in depth with our partner teams and some of them are due to introduce some significant developments this weekend."

Pascal Vasselon, F1 programme manager: "The latest circuit has naturally lost some of its predecessor's individuality, following the disappearance of the long, forest-lined straights. The challenge for Michelin hasn't altered a great deal, however because Hockenheim continues to put a great deal of strain on rear tyres. Drivers still have to deal with a number of quick corners. What's more, the asphalt in the stadium section is fairly old and doesn't generate much grip, so cars tend to slide around and that causes a build-up of heat in the rears. In last season's corresponding fixture, the fierce ambient heat generated track temperatures of about 55°C. Things are likely to be more normal this weekend, but we selected three dry-weather tyre compounds in the wake of last week's test at Jerez and they should all be able to cope with extreme heat if the need arises."