Formula 1

German GP: Sauber preview

As the summer season of the 2005 FIA Formula One World Championship gathers pace, Team Sauber Petronas heads for its home race, the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Hockenheim comprises mainly low- and ...

Published: Jul 20, 2005, 7:46 AM

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As the summer season of the 2005 FIA Formula One World Championship gathers pace, Team Sauber Petronas heads for its home race, the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"Hockenheim comprises mainly low- and medium-speed curves which require maximum downforce. In some ways it is quite similar to Magny-Cours, and the surface is quite smooth so tyre degradation is not a serious issue. That means we can use softer tyre compounds."

"The long, curving back straight ends in the tight hairpin right-hander which represents the best overtaking opportunity, but because of the speeds involved you need good brake performance and stability there, and good traction on the exit."

"On Saturday at Silverstone we introduced a new front wing, which proved promising in the race with the set-up that Felipe had on his C24. We have since tested it further at Jerez last week, and it is a definite step forward that we have every intention of exploiting further at Hockenheim this weekend."

Jacques Villeneuve (143 GPs, 6 points 2005):

"I have good memories of racing on the old track in the past. The newer one is no longer a low downforce, flat-out blast and it's now like many of the other circuits we race at. There are some good braking zones, with a few overtaking opportunities which make for an interesting race."

"I am looking forward to racing there because the revised layout will suit our car better. The C24 is currently at its best in slower corners and Hockenheim hasn't really got any fast corners anymore. On top of that we will be able to use softer tyres, which the car can use very well, so we should be having a good weekend."

Felipe Massa (44 GPs, 7 points 2005):

"I like the new character of Hockenheim since it was modified. It has a couple of places where there are opportunities to overtake, provided the car has good balance, downforce and traction. I've gone well there in the past."

"I was very pleased with the way my car went at Silverstone with the new aerodynamic package; it was fast and consistent whenever I was running on my own. We did some more work on it in Jerez last week, where it was also promising, so I am hopeful of a good race this weekend."

-sauber-

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