The original Hockenheim circuit was built in 1939 as a high-speed test track for Mercedes-Benz, who needed a venue to test for the Tripoli Grand Prix. It was almost eight kilometres long and was formed of two long, curved straights with a long corner at either end. In 2002 the long runs through the forest were done away with and the layout of the track was heavily modified. Despite arguments that it had lost some of its character, the first race at the new circuit was deemed a great success and the venue has remained a regular feature on the F1 calendar ever since.
And with the success in recent years of local heroes Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel – the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim has become one of the most atmospheric races of the season, with the noise from fans in the stadium section being almost deafening at times.
Follow us for the latest updates and results from the Hockenheimring circuit, as the first practice session for the 2018 German Grand Prix is about to get underway, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen at the wheel of the SF71H, ready to evaluate the ideal set-up ahead of the qualifying session and the race on Sunday.
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