20/07/2004
NEWS STORY
In addition to the new rear bodywork which was used for the first time at Silverstone, the SAUBER PETRONAS C23 will have further refined aerodynamics for the 12th round of the FIA Formula One World Championship, the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim on 25 July.
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Hockenheim is another high downforce track, but because the surface is quite benign we can use relatively soft tyre compounds. All the corners are low- and medium-speed, so you need a well balanced car and good traction. There is the long, curving back straight which is followed by a very tight right-handed corner. This is the best potential overtaking point, so the driver needs good brake stability there.
"After our very strong performance in Silverstone, which was very gratifying, we have been back into the wind tunnel at Hinwil to fine tune and optimise our aerodynamic package for this race and we will run a similar set-up with small refinements. I think that Hockenheim will be a good track for us because the character of our aero package should suit it well. If we can run as strongly as at Silverstone, I am optimistic that we will be doing well this weekend."
Giancarlo Fisichella: "I like the shorter version of Hockenheim better, because it is safer! I have a good feel there now and the chances of overtaking are better too, especially after the long back straight and the hard braking for the tight corner that follows. I also really like the old Motordrom section, when you come back to the area where all the spectators are. They are very enthusiastic in Germany. The atmosphere is terrific because of them, and their air horns!
"I've always had a good feeling at Hockenheim, and I nearly won my first race there, back in 1997, when I lost because I got a puncture but managed to set fastest lap. I am very optimistic that we will go well there this weekend, after the fantastic performance of the car with its revised rear bodywork at Silverstone."
Felipe Massa: "I only raced at Hockenheim in 2002, and the new track has a completely different character to the old one with its straights going out through the trees. For the latest version you need high downforce and good traction out of the slow corners, and overtaking can be difficult. However, there is a good chance at the end of the back straight. We should be in a strong position for next weekend. In addition to the new rear bodywork from Silverstone we will have some more aerodynamic refinements on the car at Hockenheim."