German GP Thread - Will contain spoilers of Practice/Qualifying and Race Results

[Fernando]

As the 2012 Formula One season hits its mid-point, round 10 of the championships sees the teams head for the German Grand Prix and the Hockenheimring, which returns to the calendar after its now traditional
year off.

It’s been 10 years since a redesign saw the circuit change from a flat-out blast down two massive linked straights to a circuit offering perhaps a more complex challenge, although possibly a less viscerally exciting one.

Modern Hockenheim is a tricky race to set-up for. While the forest straights are gone, it’s still a relatively fast circuit and drivers will be on full throttle for upwards of 64% of the lap. The high-speed early part of the track, particular from turns two to six should call for a medium to lower downforce set-up but the circuit also features a tight stadium section where high downforce is needed, so a balancing act is required. Given the quick changes of direction encountered in the stadium section and through turns three and four, a stable car is also important.

For F1 tyre supplier Pirelli, this is something of a trip into the unknown. The only recent experience it has of the track is from a GP3 race in 2010 and that weekend was often wet. As such the tyre company is bringing its medium and soft tyres, believing that the adaptable medium will cover most bases on a track defined by compromise.

Five German drivers will start this weekend: Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, Timo Glock and Nico Hulkenberg. Of the five, only Schumacher has won here before (in 1995, ‘02, ‘04 and ‘06). All will be keen to put in good performances on home soil, though for Vettel, who has 100 Drivers’ Championship points, this weekend may be particularly important in his efforts to keep pace with championship leader Fernando Alonso (129 points) and second-placed Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber (116 points).

Hockenheimring


Length of lap
4.574km
Lap record
1:13.780
(Kimi Räikkönen
McLaren-Mercedes, 2004)
Start line/finish line offset 0.000km
Total number of race laps

67
Total race distance
306.458km
Pitlane speed limits
60km/h during practice, 100km/h during qualifying and race


CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2010


►The drag strip around the outside of turn 16 will have all the rubber removed before the Grand Prix.
►Better quality artificial grass will be used on the exit of turn 1, it will be three metres in width and extended to ensure drivers have to cross it to get back on the track.
►An additional conveyor belt will be fitted after two rows on all six row barriers, these barriers will then comprise, conveyor, two rows, conveyor, four rows and then wall.

German GP
Fast Facts
► This will be the 33rd time the German Grand Prix has been held at Hockenheim. It first staged the event in 1970, when Jochen Rindt took his final grand prix win before his tragic death at Monza the following month. Hockenheim was next used in 1977, after Niki Lauda’s crash at the Nürburgring spelled the end of that track’s hosting of the race until the current event-sharing programme was instituted in 2009.
► Aside from Hockenheim and the Nürburgring, just one other track has hosted the round, which has been on the F1 calendar since 1951. That was Berlin’s AVUS circuit, which hosted the 1959 event. Ferrari’s Tony Brooks won the race, which was divided into two heats, with aggregate placings being used to determine the victor.
► This year marks the 10th anniversary of the last major redesign of the Hockenheimring. The somewhat controversial changes made for the 2002 race included the abandonment of the long, forested straights of the circuit, the shortening of the track and the construction of the new Mercedes Tribune.
► The old Hockenheim, with its long, punishing straights was always a car breaker, but never more so than in 1994. Eleven of the 26 starters went out in a series of unrelated accidents on lap one. A further seven cars fell by the wayside during the race until at the end Gerhard Berger led home just eight finishers. One of the most notable retirements was that of Jos Verstappen whose Benetton was enveloped in a fireball when fuel sprayed over his car during a pit stop.
► The 2000 race will go down as one of the most memorable German GPs at Hockenheim. In an incident-packed race, Ferrari’s Rubens Barrichello took his first GP win, despite starting from 18th, having to cope with rain and also a safety car intervention, due to a disgruntled former Mercedes employee invading the track.
► Michael Schumacher has the most German Grand Prix wins, with four, achieved in 1995, 2002, 2004 and 2006. All were scored at Hockenheim. Michael and brother Ralf are the only German drivers to have won their home event. Ralf won here in 2001 for BMW-Williams.
► That means that the German GP is just one of three currently raced circuits that defending champion Sebastian Vettel has yet to win. His best result at a German GP remains second place at the Nürburgring in 2009. The other GP victories that continue to elude him are Canada and the next race up, Hungary.
► The German GP has been run at Hockenheim seven times since the circuit redesign and in that time the man on pole has gone on to win four times (‘02, ‘03, ‘04 and ’08). On two other occasions it’s been the second-placed starter who has taken victory (2006 and 2010). Only once has a driver started from off the front row and won. That honour goes to Fernando Alonso, who started from third and won in 2005.

Weather Forecast: http://www.myweather2.com/Motor-Racing/Germany/Hockenheimring-Circuit.aspx?sday=2

Source: FIA

[Fernando]

Spoiler:

New Mclaren Sidepod for the GP

[Guest]

I hope it actually works and doesn't just look nice. What other updates are coming because Whitmarsh has promised a big update?

[Fernando]

that's mainly it tbh "The sidepods from the front to rear are quite different so you'll notice those," Whitmarsh said during a Vodafone phone-in. "There are other bits and pieces that the sharper eyes will see and clearly there are some parts that are transparent to the naked eye so that is the main area of modification and it's reasonably noticeable."

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Is the German GP on the BBC or is it a Sky-only one?

[Fernando]

Is the German GP on the BBC or is it a Sky-only one?

Sky are doing a free weekend so your be able to watch it on Sky if decide to

[Pete C (Kiwireddevil)]

Is the German GP on the BBC or is it a Sky-only one?

Sky are doing a free weekend so your be able to watch it on Sky if decide to

Great, thanks.

(My flatmate and I have a stand-off over our Sky channels - she doesn't want to add Sport, and I don't want to add Movies)

[Fernando]

http://sportinglife.aol.co.uk/formula-1/video/7913604/changes-made-at-mclaren

[Critical_mass]

You dont have to add sport to get the F1 channel, just pay for HD

[Critical_mass]

Thanks for the vid

[Guest]

So Grosjean, Rosberg & Webber all have five place grid penalties, Hamilton should be looking at at least 3rd. It's now or never for Jenson, he's got the upgrades and three big rivals are out the picture for qualifying, it's time to deliver in Q3. Fully expect Vettel to grab pole.

Actually now the rain has come..........oh dear!

[Critical_mass]

anyone else tired of hearing about a having a red flag due to rain. alonso has just been saying its too wet. these are the best drivers in the world and should just deal with it. its not that wet to the point of aquaplaning.

[Critical_mass]

can anyone tell me if you qualify in the top ten, you have to use the tyres you've qualified on. but if you then have a grid penalty that puts you out of the top ten, can they then use whatever tyres they want?

[SteveG]

What difference 2 weeks make. Mclaren worked well on inters - Hamilton actually got faster as it got wetter.

[SteveG]

anyone else tired of hearing about a having a red flag due to rain.

Yes.

[Critical_mass]

edit - it is looking rather wet now haha.

[SteveG]

What the heck just happened there. Terrible strategy by Hamilton - why didnt he change to fresh wets half way thru?

[Critical_mass]

very disappointing if im honest. still they have an extra set of softs, not sure who else does too.

[SteveG]

The problem now for Hamilton is it will be a dry race and he has a force india, a Williams and a Merc between him and Alonso/Vettel. By the time he clears that lot they will be a pit stop up the road. This was self inflicted and Hamilton could still learn a thing or two from Alonso who once again called it spot on.

[Critical_mass]

that could potentially happen yes. but ulimately it going to depend on his and others in front starts. but also how quickly he can get passed those in front.

i can see alonso sailing away though and winning this... unfortuntely.

[Guest]

Exactly. By the time Hamilton or Button have navigated there way through difficult drivers like Maldonado the tyres will be shot. McLaren are simply throwing this title away now, it's getting embarrasing. I can see Hamilton and Button getting to about 4th or 5th and then Hamilton being all over Button and then fighting each other and squabbling, while the actual race goes on in front of them and drifts away.

Anyone worried that this season, after a truly brilliant and unpredicatable start, is beginning to lose it's spark. If Alonso wins tomorrow, I can see him gaping everyone quite easily until the end of the season.

prediction - Alonso - Vettel - ?

[SteveG]

Alonso is in the form of his life and if he wins the title then it will be thoroughly deserved. He maximised his points when the car was bad and now it is good he's gonna take some stopping. Hamilton hasnt put wheel wrong TBH but getting little things wrong like today is now going to be magnified because the 70 odd points tossed away by the team means he now needs wins not podiums.

[Fernando]

I can see Hulkenburg surprising a few people he seems to be the quickest through the 2nd sector which is bad news for anyone hoping to use their DRS to pass him

[monty junior]

Agreed on Alonso, this is probably the most perfect season he has put together and bar Vettel last year probably the best since the end of Schumachers dominance in terms of consistency and maxismising opportunities.

[Belgarion of Riva]

Red Bull are under investigation for illegal engine mapping and could be forced to start the German Grand Prix from the back of the grid.

The world champions have been reported to the stewards for contravening rules forbidding teams from using exhaust gases for aerodynamic effect.

[SteveG]

The mapping has a direct link to the aero and traction. My mind goes back to Valencia where the Red Bull was rediculously fast in low speed/high traction corners. Sounds like they've found the red bull magic switch.

[SteveG]

Tefelon Red Bull.

[Belgarion of Riva]

People whine about Ferrari but RedBull have got the FIA by the short and curlies

[dyrewolfe]

People whine about Ferrari but RedBull have got the FIA by the short and curlies

I wouldn't be so sure about that. The FIA must feel they have a pretty good case to be going public about something like this. RB are saying its all above board (naturally). My main question is how did the FIA find out, or what aroused their suspicion in the first place?

Full BBC article here:

Red Bull Under Investigation for Illegal Engine Mapping

I've read a few folks on here saying RB must have something illegal on their cars to be so quick...perhaps this is it...


Disappointed with McLaren's qualifying but they took a gamble on going out early, presumably thinking the track would only get worse. It looked that way to begin with, with Hamilton and Button setting times around 1:38 and those coming after being around 1:40 or more.

Have to say Ferrari really seem to have got their act together with regard to race strategy, which together with Alonso's skill is more than compensating for any shortcomings their car might have. They really seem to be on the ball in every respect right now and hats off to them. McLaren could learn a thing or two with regards to flexibility / adaptability.

I'm just hoping the race is dry as McLaren seemed to be quickest of the lot in practice and the first quali session.

[Fernando]

Mind the language guys and you can't label them cheats unless you have 100% proof BOR and the FIA don't

[dyrewolfe]

Decision expected before the start of the race. If found guilty both cars may have to start from the back of the grid...now that would be something.

Can't see it happening myself.

[Fernando]

Decision expected before the start of the race. If found guilty both cars may have to start from the back of the grid...now that would be something.

Can't see it happening myself.

Already been cleared DW

[Critical_mass]

once again rb pushing it too far. every year there's something to do with the rb car.

[dyrewolfe]

Cheers Fernando - missed that announcement.

Wonder if this will lead to the other teams looking more closely at their own engine mapping to see how far they can push things?

[Fernando]

Enjoy the race guys and i don't expect to be coming back to swearing you're all doomed if that happens

[GSC]

Its more 'we can't punish you under the current rules' than anything. Expect a rule change

[Critical_mass]

%*$&!!!!!

[SteveG]

24 cars go thru the rubble and Hamilton gets a puncture. You just coudn't make it up. And with Alonso looking good for yet another 25 points thats the Championship over for another year.

[dyrewolfe]

Decision expected before the start of the race. If found guilty both cars may have to start from the back of the grid...now that would be something.

Can't see it happening myself.

Already been cleared DW

For the time being Fernando. Apparently it is going to be discussed further at a technical working group.

[Critical_mass]

got to say well done to alonso, he's driven superb. its starting to look like alonsos year.

on another note it will be interesting to see all those haters who were saying lewis should have been penalised for passing rosberg off track in bahrain, will they say the same about vettel passing button..

That should be looked at. he's using more of the track than allowed, i think he should be penalised for that.

[dyrewolfe]

Great drive from Alonso - a worthy winner.

Great drive too from Button - strangely seemed to lose speed after being advised to switch engine mode. Didn't have the pace to live with Vettel towards the end, but got passed illegally. Wonder what penalty (if any) Seb will get for passing off the track.

Miserable day for Lewis, race ruined by that puncture on lap 3 and never really looked like making any headway. Not what he'd have hoped for his 100th grand prix.

Good result for Lotus with a 4th place for Raikkonen. Not too shabby for Sauber either with Kobayashi and Perez finishing 5th and 6th.

[Critical_mass]

well considering all the whoo haaa with bahrain, i expect him to get some sort of a penalty.

wish they'd stop doing those santander trophies!!!

wtf is this daft interview on the podium... nikki lauda, as great as people think he is.. i wish he'd just go away. he isnt adding any value, not for me.

[SteveG]

Hells bells Niki - pulling Vettel on the podium about the pass. That would even make Eddie Jordan blush

[Critical_mass]

Hells bells Niki - pulling Vettel on the podium about the pass. That would even make Eddie Jordan blush

yes, not really the time was it...

[SteveG]

Horner talks absolute tosh !!
Vettel left the track and got clean advantage and Hamilton is allowed to unlap himself if he was quick enough - he's a racer FGS. I thought Horner used to drive ?? Because his bull is driving me up the wall.

[dyrewolfe]

Horner talks absolute tosh !!
Vettel left the track and got clean advantage and Hamilton is allowed to unlap himself if he was quick enough - he's a racer FGS. I thought Horner used to drive ?? Because his Red Bull is driving me up the wall.

Fixed it for you (sorry...couldn't resist)

I know what you mean but Horner has to speak as a team principal these days and he's not going to criticise his drivers unless they've done something blatantly stupid. We've seen previous incidents with Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso go unpunished and this one may very well go the same way.

Personally I think Vettel should be penalised but I won't be too surprised if he's let off. He was obviously quicker than Button at that point and at least he had the decency to make a clean pass and not ram Button off the track, as Maldonado did to Hamilton.

[SteveG]

Fixed it for you (sorry...couldn't resist)

lol I was tempted to do that

[Fernando]

Sebastien Vettel has been given a 20 sec penalty for overtaking off the track dropping him to 5th with Raikkonen promoted to 3rd Kobayashi 4th

[monty junior]

Awful decision to give Vettel a penalty for that, overtakes at that part of the track have gone unpunished for years and they happen multiple times during a race.

[SteveG]

Thought that would be the outcome. Vettel's team should have told him to give the place back. I think he felt aggrieved with being jumped in the pits and wanted to take what he thought was rightfully his.

On top of this he was also moaning about Hamilton interfering with the race which I don't get. Hamilton was quicker (ahem in a broken car) and pulled away from him so its not as if he was being held up.

Then there was the gesture at Webber during quali when Webber - who BTW also had a job to do and was trying to find space for himself and saw him late.

All in all I think there's a bit of arrogance creeping in to both Vettel and his team and maybe this will bring them down a peg or two.

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