Formula 1
Sato learns new circuits
While other drivers have been busy with sponsor events or relaxing in sunny climates, Takuma chose to spend his time off learning two circuits for the upcoming German and Hungarian Grands Prix. The weekend after the British Grand Prix, he made ...
Published: Jul 19, 2002, 5:33 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
While other drivers have been busy with sponsor events or relaxing in sunny climates, Takuma chose to spend his time off learning two circuits for the upcoming German and Hungarian Grands Prix.
The weekend after the British Grand Prix, he made flying visits to Hockenheim and Hungaroring with a hire car, to check out the tracks, both of which are new to him. The trip to Hungary was plagued by wet weather, but Takuma found a silver lining: "It was good to find out where the water flows and collects on the track surface, which might be useful if the Grand Prix happens to be wet, but other than that, I did 20 useful laps! It's a bit like a go-kart track, good fun to drive but not the most difficult F1 track."
Not many F1 drivers have seen the new GP circuit at Hockenheim, which has undergone significant modifications since last year's German Grand Prix, with a lot of the long straights, characteristic of the original design, having been cut out.
Takuma raced at Hockenheim three years ago in Formula Opel, albeit on the old short track. The new circuit layout, designed by Hermann Tilke, has met with approval from Jean Alesi and Ralf Schumacher. Takuma was pretty impressed too: "The new Hockenheim track is big, wide and quick! The GP track is completely new for me and everyone else, so we will all have to spend a bit of time learning it. I can't wait to drive there on 26 to 28 July!"
-jordan-
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Newey compares Raikkonen and Hakkinen
Next article French GP: Thursday press conference
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jean Alesi
On this day: Olivier Panis takes only F1 win in chaotic Monaco GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
Monaco GP
On this day: Olivier Panis takes only F1 win in chaotic Monaco GP
Which modern Formula 1 driver raced for the most teams?
Formula 1
Formula 1
Which modern Formula 1 driver raced for the most teams?
Jean Alesi's 1992 Ferrari F92A F1 car heads to auction with €3-5million estimate
Formula 1
Formula 1
Barcelona-Catalunya Pre-Season Testing
Jean Alesi's 1992 Ferrari F92A F1 car heads to auction with €3-5million estimate
Latest news
Niels Koolen makes switch to Abel Motorsports ahead of 2027 Indy NXT campaign
Indy NXT
IndL Indy NXT 41 min
Niels Koolen makes switch to Abel Motorsports ahead of 2027 Indy NXT campaign
GT World Challenge Portimao: All you need to know about season finale featuring Max Verstappen
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
WCEE GT World Challenge Europe Endurance 1 h
GT World Challenge Portimao: All you need to know about season finale featuring Max Verstappen
13 Autosport retains unchanged lineup for 2027 IMSA campaign, eyes global expansion
IMSA
IMSA IMSA 1 h
13 Autosport retains unchanged lineup for 2027 IMSA campaign, eyes global expansion
Bourdais, Moss headline second batch of Sebring's 75 all-time greatest drivers
IMSA
IMSA IMSA 1 h
Bourdais, Moss headline second batch of Sebring's 75 all-time greatest drivers
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe