The circuit of Hockenheimring celebrates its seventy-fifth birthday this year. This edition will be so special for German public and for all the lovers of F1. It underwent of deep changes during this period. The plan was shortened and the safety was considerably improved. The installations are irreproachable (comfort, good visibility, numerous screens, covered stands)… The stadium remains the soul of the old Hockenheimring. The atmosphere is there very particular ! The drivers could almost feel the emotion and hear the Germanic supporters’ encouragements… It’s an experience to be absolutely lived !

The hosting : question of stars !…

...under the stars or in a room three stars ?

The “Forêt Noire” makes way of camping… The steamed barbecue and the fetid smell which gets free of it’s the indispensable instrument of the weekend. Our Rhenish neighbours remain faithful to the local customs : drinks in the hops, the schnapps, the pyramids of empty bottles in front of the cave of the perfect supporter, the national flags and in the effigy of “Regen Meister of Kerpen”... It is doubtless that you’ll keep a very good memory of this weekend !… Hockenheim is a very pleasant city. You cannot grow tired of long walks in the forest after a day of GP… There are two hotels near the circuit but places are reserved from one year to the next by the accustomed. You can stay, as most of the drivers, in Heidelberg (in about twenty kilometres of the circuit). The castle (period XV-XVIIth century), situated in edge of Neckar, is simply magnificent...

The Germanic clan…

Hockenheimring and Nürbürgring will remain forever the brothers Schumacher’s temple. Germany account five representatives in the F1 championship. But which one of them will succeed in equalling the sympathy felt for "Shumaon" ? The land of Bade-Würtemberg counts certain number Nick Heidfeld’s fans. But the kid of Mönchengladbach is very erased since the beginning of the season. Present in F1 since 2006, Nico Rosberg will doubtless be the hero of the public or at least these ladies… Sebastian Vettel or the one that the local press nicknames affectionately "Bubi-Schumi" won’t be in rest. All the glances will be turned to the star of Heppenheim and his exceptional blow of steering !… Adrian Sutil is a very talented driver and his fellow countrymen won’t miss to follow his progress… Timo Glock will have to appear in the top 8 if he wants to draw the spectators’ attention. Nico Hülkenberg (Williams tests driver) is also very appreciated. He’s anticipated to succeeding Michaël Schumacher quite as "Sebi". Mercedes has it stand and drivers of the mark in the star will be very observed… At home, the Anglo-Saxon team must shine. For Norberg Haug’s men, a victory of BMW, eternal rival of Munich, would be unacceptable. The war is opened between both German automobile giants...

All the actors…

Germany will can account on Ferrari, BMW and McLaren to make the show. All three will be engaged a battle been incensed to sign the perfect weekend (pole and victory). Renault will have in heart to make well… Fernando Alonso wants a podium for the Asturias’ honor… Nelsinho Piquet will try to register some goord points for the biggest satisfaction of his team and his fans. Toyota aims at a return in the top 8 to assure its fourth position at the constructors’ championship. Williams will try to react and to shine on his captain’s lands. Red Bull will have for mission to counter the projects of the second group of outsiders. Toro Rosso and Honda will quarrel a place in the middle of grid. Force India will doubtless have to be satisfied with the last places of the classification...

Remember…

In 2005, Fernando Alonso had become famous there. Juan-Pablo Montoya (McLaren) and Jenson Button (Honda) completed the podium. The Colombian had competed for one of the most great races of his career. he had left in the fault in the entry of the stadium for qualifications while he could claim in pole. Forced to dash in last position, he’ll sign nevertheless a magnificent ascent until second position. For his last F1 season, "Kaïser" offered himself the victory on his lands. In 2007, Nürbürgring had replaced Hockenheimring.

Who will lead for this new edition of the GP of Germany in Bade-Würtemberg ? Answer on Sunday, July 20th, 2008 after 67 laps of race…

The meetings of the weekend :

Friday :

Practice 1 : 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Practice 2 : 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Saturday :

Practice 3 : 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Qualifying : 2:00 pm

Sunday :

Race : 2:00 pm