North Wilkesboro Top 20 Qualifying

Willy Rampf (Technical Director)
 “It may not seem like       
it, but the Hungaroring is the circuit on the calendar that most        
closely resembles Monte Carlo. Both require the highest level of        
downforce, because there are few really high-speed corners and only     
short straights. “The hardest aspect of the track is overtaking, so     
in qualifying in particular a car needs to be well balanced, to have    
plenty of downforce and to have good mechanical grip to maximise the    
driver’s grid position. Well optimised traction control and launch      
control are also useful here. Good refuelling strategy is a key part    
of race planning, because here more than ever places can be won in the  
pits rather than out on the track.”                                     

Nick Heidfeld
“I like Hungary and its ambience. The Hungaroring is quite a challenging track to drive because you always have to be on the lookout during the race for the moment any overtaking opportunity presents itself. You don’t get many chances there! We have made some good progress with our traction since Monte Carlo, so I will be looking for more World Championship points.”

Kimi Räikkönen
 “I haven’t been to Hungary before, but as     
usual I don’t expect any problems learning the track. From what my      
engineers tell me it is like Monaco without the close barriers, and     
after a strong race in Monte Carlo I’m looking forward to another one   
at the Hungaroring.”                                                    

-Sauber