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Hockenheim ended the mid-season run of conventional tracks, as the next run of races alternates between tight, or street circuits and much faster tracks, before the end of season flyaway races.
This made Germany a critical race, especially as it was preceded by a test that was attended by all the teams. Most have now slowed down the development of parts for their 2008 cars, aside from preparing their one-off Monza package.
Now alternating with the Nurburgring track as the venue for the German GP, Hockenheim hadn't run a race with the current Bridgestone tyre. Thus the test was an important one for to set up the cars and to try new parts before the August testing ban.
In its current guide, the track is not the super-fast layout of the 80s and 90s. The new inner loop keeps the cars nearer the grandstands and at a slower speed. The set-up therefore tends to be higher in downforce and closer in character to Magny-Cours than to Monza. Brakes and mid-range engine response are more critical than aero efficiency or power.
