It's Friday and it's the Hockenheimring for this year's German Grand Prix. This event has changed since its first opening in 1939, of course. It had a major revamp in time for the 2002 Grand Prix.
It was a classic race track; the one I remember had long straights with a few hairpins separating them from a stadium section which led onto the pit straight.
The good old days, I guess! Yes the years of Hakkinen, Schumacher, Prost, Hill, and Senna. But it's 2008, and we've got a Herman Tilke-designed racetrack, of course!
To be fair, I do like the changes that were made, but I do still like the layout it had before. The new layout does make for some interesting overtaking battles.
I'm really looking forward to seeing who will get the best out of the track and their package this weekend. Apparently, according to Lewis Hamilton, McLaren have the slight edge over Ferrari, and well many may believe that. I’m not one of them.
I do believe McLaren have a good package, as do Ferrari. I just don’t think any one of the two is ahead yet. Sunday will tell us for sure who will have the edge, weather permitting of course.
A few drivers in the field have a chance of winning. I’m going to put my money on Heikki this weekend; he needs it. It would cement his careful step up to a team like McLaren and show his employers that he is capable of winning a Grand Prix. I have no doubt in my mind about this, and I’m sure he will be on the top step soon.
Many great drivers have won this race. The legendary Nigel Mansell won it in 1991 and 1992. The last person to win here was Michael Schumacher in 2006. There are five Germans in the 2008 lineup, but, unless something happens to the Ferrari or McLaren, none of them have a chance this year, unfortunately.
So Sebastian Vettel will partner Mark Webber in next years RBR. This is news I’m glad to hear. I believe Vettel is going to be a major force to be reckoned with in the future.
I think Mark Webber is going to struggle to match him for pace next year. But Mark is a wise hand at this game now, although he is yet to get to the top step of the podium. He has been very unlucky, of course, but a great prospect for next year.
Where will Fernando be next year then?
Renault, I’m sorry, they aren't really going in that much of the right direction. I want to see them up there! Alonso is a great fighter, and seeing him in the midfield is really disappointing.
Anyway back to this weekend, and it's definitely Ferrari vs. McLaren again for sure. I expect Hamilton and Kovalainen to be on top form here. This is McLaren and Mercedes' home Grand Prix in a way, so they'll get some extra special German power, hopefully.
After watching the first practice session, it was hard to tell who may have the edge between Ferrari and McLaren, due to the wet conditions at Hockenheim. But the Ferraris seem to be working well enough in wet conditions, after Kimi Raikkonen hoped for a heat wave...he’s a bit out of luck in that respect.
7 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
Ben Auty 11 months ago
I wondered how long it would be before we had an article on Practice 1, ha ha ... Well done mate ... I think your the first ? ... Just made a few minor changes on the edit, nothing too big, I havent proof read it, just broken down your paragraphs and faced things up a bit ... Good Job Andy.
Edit Comment Cancel
Andrew Davies 11 months ago
cheers ben. yeh ill write about anything formula 1 me hehe. and ive made myself the target of doing at least one article for each grand prix. if i didnt work id most probably do articles for all the sessions!
anyway, lets hope for some good racing on sunday. hopefully with lewis on the top step at the end of it all. and after lookin at second practice times, hes looking good for sure!
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 11 months ago
Yeah I would love to see that McLaren 1-2 that just not quite happened this year ... We need it !
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 11 months ago
I Think This may get POTD based on the fact im happy as Larry to see the two silver men Leading the way Yet again , What do you think Ben ????? Ha ha ,
Edit Comment Cancel
Ben Auty 11 months ago
Early days yet but no complaints here !
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 11 months ago
And thanks andy for the latest news , lightning quick on this one .
Edit Comment Cancel
mark andrew 11 months ago
None here either fella , it still makes me happy as each day Mclaren end up on top , it means Ferrari Dont !!! and that is what we want to see as Mc-Merc fans . roll on tomorrow and sunday i say .
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.