Grand Prix 2014 German Grand Prix Practice, Qualifying & Race Discussion

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The races are now coming thick and fast and the Drivers Championship is warming up nicely after Nico Rosberg's first DNF of the season gave a relatively easy win to Lewis Hamilton. The circus moves on now to Germany, at the emasculated Hockenheim circuit.

Last year Vettel won the first home race of his career. This year I'm sure another German driver, in the shape of Nico Rosberg, will be hoping this will be his turn. After Lewis won his home race maybe Mercedes will have something predetermined (oops, I've just started the first conspiracy theory).

Outside of both Mercedes cars failing it's hard to see any other team winning. Should the Silver Arrows falter Williams are looking best placed to pick something up but I suspect it's more likely to be a podium for either Massa or Bottas. McLaren appeared to find some pace at Silverstone, maybe their technical team have finally realised they have the best engine on the grid and should, perhaps, take advantage of it. Red Bull will also be looking to pick up the crumbs and, as appears to be the pattern, Ricciardo is more likely benefit than Vettel.

The Force India cars were off the pace in Silverstone, perhaps Hockenheim will better suit them. I'm sure the other Nico will want to put on a good show for his home crowd. It will be interesting to see which German midfield runner Fernando Alonso chooses to have a fight with. His preference most races has been Nico Hulkenberg but at Silverstone he decided to have a fight with Sebastian Vettel, which was quite entertaining.

Toro Rosso will be just behind the Ferrari's and Red Bull's, maybe collecting point or two. Of the other teams Lotus will just ahead of Sauber, the biggest question will be who will crash into whom during the race. Marussia and Caterham will fighting to be last, with Caterham almost certain to win that battle.

I forgot to mention Kimi Raikkonen. Hopefully he will be fully recovered for the German race but, on current form, Ferrari might look to stick someone else in the car.

Did I mention I'll be there? Well I will. Look out for a fat bloke with two kids waving like a tit at the camera. Maybe I'll put some Union Jack underpants on my head, that should please the German TV director :-D Bring on the frites and wurst!
 
One thing that Formula1.com article doesn't mention was the security breach at the German GP in 2000. A disgruntled former employee breached the perimeter of the track on multiple occasions highlighting the weakness in security over such a long circuit.

http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/9203/

The additional marshals needed would also add to the running costs of the event which was also a factor when it came to reducing the length of the circuit.
 
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Hope you will write up a little something for the Grandstand section of the forum FB
I would be interested in how you found things. I have never been to Hockenheim but did go to the A1 ring a whilst back.
 
While we were in Europe in June, we visited Stuttgart and went around the old Solitude circuit, which is mostly public roads. What a marvelous place to have a race! Too bad it can't be used now, due to lack of run-off areas.
 
It was not exactly standing room only at Hochenheim this morning for FP1. Their was about as many people their as you normally get at Bahrain or Korea.
 
I've waited until after FP2 to see what Bottas could do with the same car. The conditions were slightly better and track had more rubber but still a similar gap back from Massa.

Testing & Simulator work isn't racing though and until we see her actually turn a wheel in anger in close proximity with other cars in a race situation then we can't give a fair comparison.
 
Maldonado gets a lot (that's an understatement) flak on here, most of it probably deserved but to be honest when I saw footage of Grosjean this afternoon I have to say that car looks undriveable at times. Seemingly understeering into anything that looks like a corner, turning into brutal oversteer on exit.... it's a bit of a dog really.
 
In reference to Mrs Wolff's performance in practice today - does anyone remember the testing session early this year where Max Chilton was quickest.

Just saying.
 
In reference to Mrs Wolff's performance in practice today - does anyone remember the testing session early this year where Max Chilton was quickest.

Just saying.

Yep I believe it was wet or the other teams were doing installation laps and he was one of few who posted a proper lap
 
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