German GP Williams preview

The Grand Prix of Germany has special significance for the BMW WilliamsF1Team in that it's the home race for BMW and Ralf Schumacher.

Hockenheim offers a unique opportunity to see Formula One cars pushed to the very edge of their capabilities. With its long straights -- spattered with chicanes -- the cars are set up with the minimum amount of aerodynamic downforce and they will exceed 200mph at three points on the circuit as they blast through the Odenwald forest. When they arrive at the twisty Stadium Complex at the lap's end, they do so with a distinct lack of grip, which makes for entertaining viewing - and passing opportunities.

Frank Williams
"A dry Hockenheim weekend is an extreme test of both engine horsepower and durability. The circuit also poses an interesting aerodynamic challenge -- high speed aerodynamic drag versus adequate downforce for competitive performance in the stadium complex. Hopefully, it won't rain because even with the world's greatest drivers, a wet Hockenheim circuit provides dangerously low visibility because of the proximity of the trees to the circuit's main straights."

Dr. Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director)
"Although the BMW V10 engine has never run so far on the high speed track of Hockenheim, we are obviously aware that this circuit is one of the toughest for a Formula One engine. Behind the A1-Ring, a lap at Hockenheim is second in ranking in terms of full throttle percentage. There is no F1 circuit in the world on which an engine is stressed longer under full throttle than on the straights at Hockenheim. That's also why the Hockenheimring is the standard we apply to our development work in Munich, thereby simulating the Hockenheimring permanently on our test benches. With regard to reliability, we are pleased with the progress we have made over the past few weeks. We have not had a broken engine during the last three Grand Prix weekends. The team's home Grand Prix has special significance for BMW, but our aim has not changed - we are looking for finishing in the points."

Ralf Schumacher
"After a hard weekend in Zeltweg, I'm looking forward to racing at Hockenheim, one of my favourite tracks. For set up at this circuit, it is important to find a good compromise between low aerodynamic downforce for the high speeds on the long straights and enough mechanical grip for the stadium section. It's very important to accelerate well out of the chicanes, particularly as the only overtaking chances come at the end of the long straights."

Jenson Button
"My only experience of Hockenheim is during my Formula Ford days. I distinctly remember the race in question and I hope it doesn't rain as much this weekend as it did then. I won the race, but learned quickly how hard Hockenheim can be in those conditions. I remember the circuit quite well, but will obviously have to re-familiarise myself again for this weekend's race. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team spent two and a half days testing for this race at Silverstone last week and we made some good progress on low downforce set up. Things didn't go our way at the last race weekend in Austria, but I am obviously delighted to have come away with some points. I'm hopeful for similar rewards this weekend, albeit at BMW's home race."