Hockenheim new territory for Pirelli

[John S]

First time at track could make race more unpredictable than usual.       
Still at least this year Massa wont need a radio message to tell him Nando is faster than him. 

With no fixed weather guaranteed, this is just one variable set to be thrown into the mix for the German Grand Prix. However, the fact that Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli is yet to visit Hockenheim is likely to be the greatest factor as practice begins on Friday.

 Pirelli returned to F1 and became the sole tyre company last year but, as the German Grand Prix is now alternating and in 2011 was hosted at the Nürburgring, Hockenheim is yet to be trialled on the PZero compounds.


Last time the venue saw the field in action was in 2010, when Fernando Alonso passed Felipe Massa for a Ferrari one-two finish with Bridgestone.

For Germany, the Soft (yellow markings) and Medium (white) Slick tyre compounds will be on offer. This will also be the case for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest one week later.

GPUpdate.net, Mon 16th July.

[Jericoke]

It almost sounds like the tire supply might provide some sort of 'lottery' as to who will win the race   

[lkjohnson1950]

If the weather is hot ( a distinct possibility ), the tires could fall off very rapidly as in Bahrain. In addition Hockenheim has the reputation of being hard on tires. James Allen thinks you'll see the teams go soft, medium, medium for the race, with Lotus or Sauber possibly attempting a one stopper.

[Jericoke]

If the weather is hot ( a distinct possibility ), the tires could fall off very rapidly as in Bahrain. In addition Hockenheim has the reputation of being hard on tires. James Allen thinks you'll see the teams go soft, medium, medium for the race, with Lotus or Sauber possibly attempting a one stopper.

That doesn't sound right to me.  How many races have been won this year by pushing tires to the limits, and how many have been won by making the extra pitstop?  Most importantly, how many points have been lost by pushing tires to the limits? 

[lkjohnson1950]

Strategy always depends on where you Qualify of course. JA was just speculating that Sauber and Lotus were the only teams that were gentle enough on their tires to consider  a 1 stopper if they screw up qualifying. if it stays cool, then the fall off should be less abrupt and teams may actually gamble on a 1 stopper. If you have a 2 car team with an outside shot at a win, why not put 1 car on each strategy, just in case?