In 2002, Hockenheim celebrated its 70th anniversary with a new design and a
new name, the "Hockenheimring Baden Württemberg". The long forest straights
were replaced with new sections in order to accommodate increasing spectator
numbers. Where cars previously disappeared into the woods, the circuit now
takes a sharp right turn (the second corner after the start / finish) into
the long, sweeping, high-speed Parabolica turn. This culminates in a hairpin
taken in first gear with the steering wheel virtually at full lock.
Following this hairpin, a right-left-right combination returns to familiar
territory, the Motodrom stadium section.
To date, WilliamsF1 has claimed nine victories at Hockenheim. Alan Jones
scored the first in 1979, while the most recent was secured with BMW in 2003
when Juan Pablo Montoya won from pole position with a 65 second lead. |
After a constructive test
in Jerez this week, during which the MKII bodywork was put through its
paces, the team head to Germany with a range of modifications intended
to improve competitive performance. Having won nine races at the
Hockenheimring, the last of which was achieved in 2003, the team is
looking to deliver a stronger result at BMW's home race.
The German Grand Prix at Hockenheim will be the 12th round of the 2005
FIA Formula One World Championship season and the penultimate race of
July's gruelling schedule of back to backs.
Mark Webber:
"Obviously all races are
important to us but, because of our partnership with BMW, it is
important to get a strong result in their home country. I didn't take
part in this week's test at Jerez because it was important to give the
burn on my hip more time to recover before Hockenheim. However, I know
everyone in the team has been working really hard to understand our lack
of pace in the last two races so I hope we'll see a big step towards
regaining the genuine pace of the FW27 this weekend.
The Hockenheim circuit has good opportunities for overtaking and
normally produces a good race. There's always a great atmosphere among
the German fans and, as a driver, you always get a tremendous buzz
coming into the stadium section and seeing the packed grandstands. It's
quite a special feeling."
Nick Heidfeld:
"I am, of course, looking forward to racing at Hockenheim as it is
one of two home races for me. At the moment, we are not looking strong
in terms of speed, which has been clear in the last two races. I am
confident though that we will improve our situation after testing in
Jerez so I will be able to put on a good show in front of the home fans.
I find the unique atmosphere in Hockenheim very special, it feels a bit
like the atmosphere you find in a football stadium. The track is ok, but
I must say I preferred the old layout as it was unlike any other venue.
Because you were forced to find a compromise between the long straights
in the wood and the low downforce section in the infield section, it was
a great challenge for the drivers. However, the new circuit is clearly
better for the fans and for our safety."
Sam Michael Technical Director:
"After
the British Grand Prix, we've been working hard at the factory, in the
wind tunnel, and at the test in Jerez to understand and improve the
performance of the FW27. Nick, Antonio and Nico all contributed as we
worked through many mechanical and aerodynamic set-ups. Jerez marked the
final test before the summer testing ban and we have made some progress.
WilliamsF1 is a winning team, as history confirms, and we look forward
to competing at a higher level as soon as possible.
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. It is also quite hard on tyres, with many
traction events, so the tyre companies are usually wary of blistering
and make adjustments to the compound accordingly. Hockenheim has a great
overtaking section and it would be nice to see some action there during
the Grand Prix. Strategy will either be a two or a three stop on
Sunday."
.
Dr Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
"After
the two disappointing races in France and Britain, we can not expect a
miracle for the German Grand Prix. We are running flat out on the
development work, in the wind tunnel at Grove as well as on the track in
Jerez, in order to find out the reasons for the uncompetitive lap times
so we can fix the problem as soon as possible. BMW is supporting this
programme every way we can.
Together we want to find
our way back to form for the rest of the season.
Both BMW P84/5 engines which Mark and Nick will race in Hockenheim are
those which we raced at Silverstone. Although the long forest straights
of Hockenheim were removed from the layout in 2002, the circuit remains
a challenging one for the engines. In 2004, the full throttle percentage
per lap was 62 percent, while the longest full throttle section was
1,047m. One also needs to take into account that we may have hot weather
in Hockenheim.
For the BMW engineers, the week after the British Grand Prix was a
special one because we tested an early configuration of the 2006 V8
engine for the first time. Antonio Pizzonia was on duty for the maiden
roll-out in a modified FW27 chassis in Jerez. Overall, the test was
positive and we are on schedule with the development."
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