- CIRCUIT:
Hockenheimring
- EVENT:
Grand Prix of Germany
- LENGTH: 6.823 km
- RACE
DISTANCE: 45 laps
(307.035 km)
- POLE
POSITION: 1:42.950
(M. Hakkinen)
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- The Hockenheim circuit,
with its 1 km-plus straights and maximum speeds of 350 kph, is
unique and very exciting. After several long straights that are
joined by three chicanes with famous names, the drivers emerge
from the forest. It's a great moment for all the drivers, particularly
the Germans who are warmly applauded. A series of bends follows
before the pit straight completes the lap. The secret of this
circuit is to minimize downforce so that high top speeds are
reached, though keeping enough to lose as little time as possible
through the chicanes and the Stadium. The drivers need to brake
very sharply to slow down from 300 or 350 kph and down from 6th
into 2nd gear in the space of a few meters. The circuit looks
deceptively simple, but it requires a large amount of experience
to balance the car and you need determination and unswerving
confidence to drive 350 kph between rows of trees.
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