Germany Preview Quotes: Toyota

Ralf Schumacher: "Hockenheim is my home Grand Prix so I would love to pick up another good result after my points in the last two races. I'm a fan of the revised track they introduced three years ago, so I'm looking forward to another race there. Losing the long straights of the old circuit is not a problem as the new layout is more interesting for both the drivers and the fans, who can now follow more of the action. There's a good passing opportunity before the hairpin and the corners in the infield don't narrow at the exit, they remain open, so you can maintain your rhythm and drive fluently. Tyre choice is critical at Hockenheim, but I spent three days at Jerez last week looking at tyres for the hot conditions we are likely to face. That was a good test so we head to the German Grand Prix hopeful of another good result."

Dieter Gass (Chief Race Engineer): "The revised Hockenheimring that has been in place since 2002 is a medium-high downforce circuit but the new layout does not incorporate many unique challenging aspects and is quite similar to other circuits on the calendar. There are no especially demanding corners and although there are a few overtaking chances, into the hairpin particularly, it lacks the characteristics of its high-speed, car-breaking predecessor. Hockenheim is critical for rear tyre temperatures, so we have to be careful to avoid overheating, which can lead to oversteer. The problem is compounded by higher track temperatures, which we are likely to face during the German Grand Prix weekend. For hotter climates, we must ensure to have a tyre with enough blistering control. Reducing the pressures helps to keep the tyres cool so we must adjust the tyre pressures accordingly during the race weekend, keeping them as low as possible but always within the specified safety margins. Hopefully we can then pick up more points at this, one of our 'home' races."