Hungarian Grand Prix - Preview
TURNING UP THE HEAT
This coming weekend the city of Budapest will play host to
the 21st Hungarian Grand Prix taking place at the Hungoraring
since 1986. The Hungaroring is a twisty circuit that is notoriously
difficult for overtaking and a testing circuit for the engineers
because of the extreme heat and the subsequent high system
temperatures that need to be kept in check. With 14 corners,
few straights and extreme heat, Panasonic Toyota Racing's
drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli will put their fitness
training to the test at this grand prix, all the while competing
for points, which have become increasingly precious. The team
heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix looking to consolidate its
position of 5th in the constructors' championship.
Ralf Schumacher (Car 7)
"Budapest is a beautiful city that I always like returning
to for the race. There are plenty of things to do and see
waysides of the track. The race itself has always been one
of my favourites on the calendar, especially because there
are so many fans there. One thing is always certain at this
race and that is the extreme heat. You have to be really fit
to drive in such high temperatures and still be able to concentrate
at the end of the race. The Hungaroring is known for being
one of the hardest circuits for overtaking, so it will be
very important for us to secure a good grid position. Last
year at this race I took my first podium with Toyota and I
am hoping that we can repeat these results again this year."
Jarno Trulli (Car 8): "After my race
at Hockenheim, I'll be looking for a better finish in Hungary.
I am not too familiar with the city of Budapest, but I have
heard that many drivers like the nightlife outside of the
track. I am sure we can expect another very hot weekend and
therefore it will be very important for us to make sure the
car's entire system temperatures are monitored and kept in
line. The track is also challenging because it is very narrow,
with lots of corners and although it's very difficult for
overtaking it is still quite a fun circuit to drive. The track
is known to be dusty but this can change as the dust blows
around, thus making it quite tricky to get the car handling
well and going quickly. We had good results here last year"
Pascal Vasselon – Senior General Manager Chassis
"The Hungaroring is very similar to Monaco in that qualifying
pays an extremely important role as overtaking is notoriously
difficult. Additionally, average speed and average brake temperatures
are comparable to the Monaco Grand Prix. Whereas Monaco keeps
the drivers awake with so many gear changes and braking maneouvres,
the Hungaroring can be taxing for them due to the 14 corners
in every lap and extreme temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees
Celsius. Not only the drivers, but also the engineers have
a challenging job setting up the car and making sure that
air temperatures do not have an effect on the its running.
All the temperatures inside the car rise dramatically in these
conditions – engine, brakes, gearbox – so we have
to monitor this carefully."
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