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Formula One competitors make a
return to Bridgestone's super soft compound Potenza for the Hungarian Grand
Prix, where Bridgestone's softest tyre in the 2007 F1 tyre range is paired
with the soft compound for the tight, twisty and slippery 4.38 km track.
It's the 22nd running of the race known locally as Magyar Nagydíj, and
appropriately enough all 22 cars in the field are equipped with Bridgestone
Potenzas. The track provides a very particular challenge for teams and
drivers. It's tight and twisty, which precludes sustained high speed
running, but it also has something of a reputation as a car-breaker.
The weather is always an important factor in any grand prix, with the
importance of correct tyre choice for the conditions illustrated perfectly
by the European Grand Prix last time out. With part of Europe under flood
conditions and part of Europe experiencing a heat wave, Hungary could be
interesting, although advance predictions are showing hot and sunny
conditions.
The track is very smooth, meaning the softest compounds are used, but the
hot weather and graining-inducing nature of the track mean that tyre
management will be critical over the race weekend and particularly in the
race.
Last year's Hungarian Grand Prix was affected by uncharacteristic rain. It
was won by Honda Racing's Jenson Button, who scored his first F1 race
victory. Button won by over half a minute from McLaren Mercedes' Pedro de la
Rosa with BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld coming third.
Q&A Kees van de Grint, Bridgestone Motorsport Head of Track Engineering
Operations:
What challenges does the Hungaroring present?
"The smooth surface and the fact that the circuit is not used that often
means it's a low grip circuit so we will bring the softest compounds in our
range to provide the required grip. The circuit characteristics are very
inviting for graining to be suffered on the tyres, mainly on the front.
Normally the temperatures in Budapest are quite high, which means a real
challenge for the softer compounds. Qualifying position is crucial at this
circuit. Overtaking is very difficult, so warm up and initial lap times are
very important for the drivers. If you don't start on the front row the
chance of winning is slim, unless you come up with a very clever strategy.
Qualifying performance and thereafter, tyre management, are the key factors
here."
Stats & Facts
No. & Spec of tyres brought to Hungaroring: 2,200 (Soft & super soft dry
specs + wet and extreme wets)
Pole position time 2006: 1min 19.599secs (K Raikkonen, McLaren Mercedes)
Fastest race lap 2006: 1min 23.516secs (F Massa, Ferrari)
Top three 2006: J Button, P de la Rosa, N Heidfeld |