Honda drivers divided over Nürbürgring

The second half of the 2007 Formula One season continues this weekend with Round 10, the European Grand Prix. With only one Grand Prix taking place in Germany, the Nürburging will host this year’s event before the race alternates with Hockenheim from 2008 onwards.

The modern 5.148 km Nürburgring is decidedly tame by comparison to the historic and imposing former circuit, which incorporated the 21 km Nordschleife section.

"Although it is a venue with a great deal of motor racing history, I have to be honest and say that the Nürburgring is not one of my favourite circuits on the Formula One calendar,” reveals Jenson Button. “The first corner is one of the best opportunities for overtaking, as the cars around you quite often just slide straight on. You can also overtake going into the chicane at the end of the lap. The key to setting a quick lap around the Nürburgring is getting your approach to turn one absolutely right because you can ruin your whole lap if you get on the brakes at the wrong moment.”

Unlike Jenson, team-mate Rubens Barrichello is a fan of the current circuit. “The Nürburgring is a challenging circuit for the drivers and one that I particularly enjoy,” confirms the Brazilian. “I won the Grand Prix here back in 2002 so I always feel good about returning and racing around here. I like the layout of the circuit and it has some great high-speed corners and interesting undulations.”