Bridgestone German Grand Prix Preview

Formula 1 continues the second half of the season with a radical tyre allocation approach for the German Grand Prix where Bridgestone’s hard and super soft compound Potenza tyres will be used.

The tyres from the extreme ends of Bridgestone’s dry allocation can be brought to the Hockenheim track due to its characteristics being in the middle range in terms of layout and track surface severity of those experienced through the season. The 4.574 km track is a compromise circuit in terms of having high speeds for much of the lap allied to a much lower speed final section.

Hiroshi Yasukawa – Director of Bridgestone Motorsport, says:
“Germany is one of the biggest and most important automotive markets in Europe, so it is imperative that Bridgestone has a strong presence here. It is interesting for us to alternate between races at Nurburgring and Hockenheim. Our local market works hard in Germany and our tyres have received many accolades in this market. We have recently seen a significant increase in the television audience figures as there are several German drivers this year, and of course the return of Michael Schumacher has had a positive impact. I am also interested to see the effects of bringing the hard and super soft compounds to this race.”

Hirohide Hamashima - Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development, says:
“This will be the first time that we have raced at Hockenheim with slicks since 1997, and the circuit configuration then was very different. The circuit layout features a long left hander before the hairpin where it is important to have good stability. After the hairpin, there are strong traction demands on the rear tyres. Elsewhere, a good overall balance is required. We have a unique opportunity with the nature of the Hockenheim circuit allowing us to bring the softest and the hardest tyres from our range. This should provide a challenge for everyone and should be interesting. The weather will play a factor too. If it is hot then the super soft will be a challenge to manage for stability and durability. If it is cold then ensuring the hard is in its temperature operating window will be a tough task.”