Mixed feelings on new Hockenheim

Jacques Villeneuve, equally predictably perhaps, was among those not impressed by the revamp.

"It's not a nice circuit, not fun, probably one of the least enjoyable in F1," said the 1997 world champion. "There may be some good overtaking opportunities but there's an area before the entry to the Stadium where the wall comes back across at an angle to the track and it's probably one of the most dangerous places we have in F1 today. I don't understand how such a dangerous thing could be allowed on a modern track."

Formula 1 newcomer Allan McNish, however, said: "I actually quite enjoy the new layout, more so than the old circuit. It's got a lot of character for a brand new circuit. Usually new tracks are pretty dull but this one has got good overtaking opportunities and some long straights as well as quite a hard technical section through Turns 7,8,9 and 10.

"The other thing is that ultimately it's good for the spectators because there are a couple of areas where they can see a lot. For a new circuit there is a heck of a lot of grip and I'm surprised at that."

Toyota designer chief Gustav Brunner added: "Luckily the new track is different from the old Hockenheim because that was too dangerous. Now, you don't have to worry about having a high-speed accident all the time. And it should produce better races because the old track never did. Whoever had the quickest car just disappeared. There was no skill about driving in a straight line at 360 km/h and F1 racing should be for the skilled, not just the brave."