German Grand Prix 28th July
The circuit
Hockenheimring will return to the 2018 Formula One calendar to host the German Grand Prix. The circuit is a mixture of high speed straights reminiscent of the original long track, and a slow section for the few final corners. The “Motodrom”, or the stadium section, is an impressive area to watch the race from, as spectators can hear and see cars coming from as far away as turn 10. The stadium section also directly oversees the final slow corners, making it easier to spot their hero drivers and teams and build excitement for the race.
The old circuit
The original Hockenheimring built in 1932 was around 12 km long, with a series of changes made up to the current Formula One era. When this track hosted its first race in 1970, it was already down to under 7 km, and very fast circuit with a series of long straights separated by chicanes to reduce speed. Since most of the circuit was located in the depths of the forests, a redesign of the circuit was commisioned in 2001 to make it more visible and attractive to fans. The current track is under 5 km in length, featuring a total of 17 turns.
Tyre selection
Medium, Soft and Ultrasofts – The Hockenheimring is an all-rounder in terms of tyres – not too abrasive, not too forceful laterally, and the track is very flat. The drivers’ favourite overtaking point, and possibly the more stressful place for braking and tyres, is the tight hairpin of turn 6 after the long straight and second DRS zone. Pirelli has skipped the supersoft tyres compound to go one compound softer, and give the strategists an additional challenge.