The technical challenges of Hockenheim

The new Hockenheim is a very different challenge to the old layout. What was once a flat-out blast through the forest is now a modern stadium circuit, but the old Motodrom section, with its testing mix of elevation changes and double-apex corners, has been retained in the new layout.

Car set-up is a compromise between this twisty infield section and the straights at the back of the circuit. The teams spent last week’s three-day test session at the track trying to establish good levels of mechanical grip with their cars, while minimising the amount of aerodynamic downforce in order to be fast in a straight line.

Stability under braking is also important because there are a number of heavy braking areas on the lap, particularly at the Spitzkehre hairpin (Turn 6) where the cars slow from 310kph (193mph) to 60kph (37mph). It’s one of the slowest corners on the Formula One calendar and the best overtaking point at Hockenheim.

With only two high-speed corners on the lap, into and out of the Motodrom, tyre wear is not such a factor at this race, but the high track temperatures sometimes witnessed in late July can create large fluctuations in grip.

Full throttle: 65%
Brake wear: Medium
Downforce level: Medium - 7/10
Tyre compounds: Hard / Medium
Tyre usage: Medium
Average speed: 215kph (134mph)