26/07/2002

German Grand Prix - Free Practice Round-Up

The 12th round of the Formula 1 World Championship saw the revised Hockenheim circuit in Germany used for the first time by Formula 1 cars. The first day of free practice was promising for Panasonic Toyota Racing with Allan McNish recording the ninth fastest lap in the 22-car field.

The old Hockenheim saw cars run with very little downforce and record straightline speeds of almost 360kmh. That would probably have played to the strengths of the TF102 chassis/engine combination but it seems that not too many people on the team are sorry to see the old track go.

"I actually quite enjoy the new layout more so than the old circuit McNish said. It's got a lot of character for a brand new circuit. Usually new circuits are pretty dull but this one has got good overtaking opportunities and some long straights as well as quite a hard technical section.

The other thing is that ultimately it's good for the spectators because there are a couple of areas where they can see a lot. For a new circuit there is a heck of a lot of grip and I'm surprised at that."

So far the Scot is optimistic about the TF102's suitability to the circuit.

Chief designer Gustav Brunner added: "Luckily it's different from the old Hockenheim because that was too dangerous. You don't have to worry about having a high speed accident now and it should produce better races. Before whoever had the quickest car would just disappear and Formula 1 racing is not for the brave it's for the skilled."

Mika Salo a man who came very close to winning a Grand Prix at the old Hockenheim finished the day in 18th position and commented: "I managed to complete my programme today but we lost some time due to an electronics problem which we are working on. We did a good number of laps during the two sessions which was essential due to the amount of set-up work we had to concentrate on for our first visit to this circuit. Some of the new corners here are quite good and the circuit is nicer to drive than I thought it would be."

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro topped the first day's time sheet with new five-time champion Michael Schumacher marginally quicker than Rubens Barrichello. Kimi Raikkonen and David Coulthard confirmed again as West McLaren Mercedes race drivers in 2003 were third and fourth ahead of Ralf Schumacher's BMW Williams F1 entry and Jaguar Racing's Eddie Irvine.