Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Germany preview quotes: Williams

Mark Webber: "I expect we'll experience similar temperatures in Germany to those we had in Magny-Cours. The track itself is pretty featureless and is not one of the most exciting places we visit. However, it has provided some interesting races in recent years thanks to the long back straight which flows into the hairpin and which provides good overtaking opportunities

"The stadium section is obviously a famous feature of the Hockenheim circuit and, because it's the only part of the track which hasn't changed in the last few years, it proves a popular spot for the spectators. Given Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's recent form, I don't think there'll be any shortage of German fans there to cheer them on.

"Although our results didn't reflect it at Magny-Cours because I wasn't able to complete the Grand Prix due to a tyre issue and Nico started the race with a 10-place grid penalty, it was clear that we were just on the fringe of the points and improving our performance. Of course it is frustrating, it would be good to be running a bit closer to the front, so that is exactly what I'll be trying my hardest to do at Hockenheim."

Nico Rosberg: "It will be great to race in Germany in front of people that I know and people that speak my language. I really enjoy the track and have great memories of it having won many races there over the years. After a promising test in Jerez last week, I'm confident that we can achieve a good result in another of my home races."

Sam Michael, Technical Director: "After the French Grand Prix, we've been working hard at the factory, in the wind tunnels, and at the test in Jerez, to further understand and improve the performance of the FW28. In particular, we've been working closely with Bridgestone to resolve the tyre issue we suffered in France due to excessive inside shoulder temperatures on the rear left tyres.

"Good progress was made on this at Jerez and we have now changed the set-up to ensure this doesn't happen again. Jerez marked the final test before the summer testing ban and we made some good progress testing various mechanical and aerodynamic parts, some of which will be run in Germany this weekend.

"Hockenheim is an interesting circuit, with mainly slow and medium speed corners, leading towards a softer set-up as the requirement for high speed stability is reduced. Due to the many traction events, the circuit is also quite hard on tyres, so the tyre companies are usually wary of blistering and make adjustments to the compound accordingly.

"Hockenheim has a great overtaking section at the hairpin so often provides some good racing action for the fans during the Grand Prix. Strategy will either be a two or a three stop on Sunday and can play a crucial role at this event."

Simon Corbyn, Head of F1 Race Engineering, Cosworth: "Cosworth simulations predict that the CA2006 engines will be at approximately 70% full throttle per lap at Hockenheim this year. In terms of full throttle time, we expect Hockenheim to be the second most demanding circuit on the 2006 calendar after Monza.

"It is therefore a track that is a tough test of engine reliability, but also one where strong engine performance can be a significant factor in overall car performance."

 

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Germany preview quotes: McLaren
Next article Q & A with Martin Whitmarsh

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe