Alternating with the Nürburgring as the host of the German Grand Prix, the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg lost much of its character when its layout was changed in 2002. Under pressure from Formula One organisers, the circuit was shortened and the long high speed straights that differentiated Hockenheim from the rest of the calendar were given back to the surrounding forest.
That said, in defence of the modern, Hermann Tilke designed layout, much of the original circuit was beyond the reach of spectators. The new layout also proved more amenable to overtaking, most memorably in 2002 when Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya fought wheel-to-wheel, and presents a much greater challenge to teams than the old engine-dominated circuit.
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Top speed:
310 km/h (193 mph)
Average speed:
209 km/h (130 mph)
Time at full-throttle:
64%
Time under braking:
14%
Gear changes per lap:
46
Tyre compounds:
supersoft/hard
Tyre wear:
medium
Brake demand:
medium/high
Downforce level:
medium/high
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The sweeping Parabolika left-hander requires a good top-speed in order to fend off competitors but this has to be balanced with the grip needed in the medium and low-speed parts of the lap. Downforce settings are therefore a compromise, requiring the team to adopt a medium downforce set-up and leaving the drivers short of grip in the low-speed stadium section, but allowing a reasonable top-speed on the straights and hopefully setting up an overtaking overtaking opportunity into the hairpin at the end of the Parabolika.
Hockenheim is also one of the hardest tests of the year on brakes, with seven major braking zones and around 14% of the lap spent under braking. The heavy braking and subsequent traction out of the corners mean tyre wear can also be a problem. A particular problem for tyres is the Parabolika curve which, due to a combination of its length and the high speeds through it, places tyres under severe lateral forces generating a lot of heat.
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Key Points:
Turns 2 to 4 - The gateway to the high-speed, left-handed Parabolika and key to maximising the car's speed.
Turn 6 'Spitzkehre' - A large tarmac run-off encourages over-taking by those brave enough to brake late into this hairpin.
