Germany has found it wise in alternating its grand prix between two of its highly respected tracks, Nurburgring and Hockenheimring due to financial reasons. The two tracks have alternately been hosting races since 2005.
Hockenheim underwent major reconstruction for 2002 when the track’s high-speed layout was injected with a series of fast bends and some slow corners. The stadium section though remained untouched. However, the circuit still follows a dichotomy of the fast flowing segment - where the forests once clustered - and the slow stadium complex. This requires the cars to follow a setup which is suitable for both parts of the track. The best car is the one which balances its compromises.
Hosting a Formula One race when an all-German outfit is to take the circuit after more than five decades, led by the indomitable Michael Schumacher in what is pretty much the last year’s winning constructor, the country can hope for a return of investment which is more than just in dollars and cents.
Six drivers in all - Schumacher, Rosberg, Vettel, Hulkenberg, Sutil and Glock - will consider the race as their home event.