By Williams Martini Racing
July 25 2016

Just one week after the Hungarian GP the Williams Martini team moves to Hockenheim for the 2016 German GP. The team is returning to the German GP after a year break and the team is aiming to secure a further points result after a series of disappointing results. Both Williams drivers are looking forward to returning to the Hockenheim track where Valtteri Bottas finished 2nd in 2014.

For the Williams Martini team it is an opportunity to turn their season around after a series of disappointing results in previous races. Both Williams drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa, enjoy this circuit with Valtteri finishing in 2nd in 2014.

After a one-year hiatus, the German Grand Prix returns to the calendar for 2016. The character of Hockenheim was irreversibly changed when the track was redesigned in 2002. Gone are the flat-out blasts through the forest that characterised the old track, replaced by a tamer and more benign track that is two kilometres shorter. However, the new Hermann Tilke-designed circuit at least produces some good racing, with turns six and eight producing the best of the action. The most interesting section of the lap is in the Stadium towards the end of the lap. The corners are cambered, making them deceptively fast, and the atmosphere is electric on race day when the grandstands are full. After all, the Germans love their patriotic flags and air horns! The end of the Grand Prix also marks the long awaited and greatly deserved summer break for drivers and team personnel alike.

PAT SYMONDS:
It’s good to be going back to Germany after a brief absence as it’s definitely a country we should be racing in, as well as being the home of our partner Mercedes-Benz. Two years ago we had mixed fortunes with Felipe eliminated in a spectacular first corner incident whilst Valtteri went on to claim second place. Our intention this year, as always, is to get a strong points finish from both cars and we are confident of doing so.

FELIPE MASSA:
It will be nice to return to the German Grand Prix after we didn’t have it last year. We’re heading to Hockenheim, a track I really enjoy driving. I hope we have a good race because the Hockenheimring could be a great track for our car. We’ll see at the weekend.

VALTTERI BOTTAS:
Last time we were in Germany was in 2014 and I was second place in the race, one of my best F1 results. It’s a track I’ve driven a lot when I was in the junior categories like Formula Renault and Formula 3, so I know the place really well. It’s nice to go back to Germany after a bit of a break, and hopefully we’ll have another warm welcome.

Race Data
Friday:
Practice 1: 10:00 - 11:30
Practice 2: 14:00 - 15:30
Saturday:
Practice 3: 11:00 - 12:00
Qualifying: 14:00 – 15:00
Sunday: Race: 14:00