The German Grand Prix at Hockenheim this weekend marks the midway point of the 2014 World Championship, and what a year it has been so far. It may only be a two horse race but the top two are the closest they have been at this point in the season since the introduction of 25 points for a win.
With Nico Rosberg’s retirement at Silverstone two weeks ago and Lewis Hamilton winning in his own back yard things have become quite tasty at the top, with only four points separating the two Mercedes drivers. The German driver will be hoping he can impose his authority at the top of the leader board once again in his home Grand Prix, as the two look set to battle it out for the rest of the season.
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With team orders seemingly out the window when it comes to the two battling Silver Arrows it has produced some of the best racing seen in the sport for many years. It certainly makes a change to the domination of Sebastian Vettel from last year that’s for sure. Talking of Vettel, the Red Bull driver finished sixth in Friday’s practice; but as is so often the case this season he does not look to be driving a car capable of carrying him to victory.
One driver who could well be capable of ruining Mercedes’ party is Fernando Alonso; the Ferrari driver finished third in Friday’s practice but could well give Rosberg and Hamilton a problem in qualifying and on race day. Out of the drivers currently in the field he has won at Hockenheim the most times with three race victories to his name, most recently in 2012. Another victory would see him draw level with Michael Schumacher on four and would also see Ferrari claim their first victory since May 2013.
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One of the crucial elements on Sunday could be the weather, which so often wreaks havoc upon many a Grand Prix. Firstly, the intense heat will be making tyres difficult to manage, and those that manage to get the best out of them over Saturday and Sunday will be at a great advantage. Sunday could also bring rain which could affect race strategies throughout the field, this could well play into the hands of Hamilton whose fearless driving style could lead him to victory should that be the case.
In a jubilant time for German sport Nico Rosberg will be hoping to live up to the high standards set by the football team. If both Mercedes drivers can avoid technical issues the Hockenheim track could offer a lot of excitement with plenty of passing expected. This has all the makings to be a classic.
Adam LeRoux
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