Formula One: Stewart-Ford Racing News, German Grand Prix Preview
28 July 1999
RUBENS BARRICHELLO Car No.16 (SF3-04)
What challenges do the chicanes present?
'They place a high importance on braking and throttle technique. At the chicanes you have to be very precise with your braking point. With the grooved tyres, the car tends to slide around a bit more under braking. At Jim Clark Kurve, for example, you're coming down from over 200mph to 60mph so timing is vital. You also have to get the power down at the critical time on the exit. It's very satisfying when you get it right.'
How do recover from the type of setback you experienced in Austria?
'I'm a pretty positive sort of guy. You can't dwell on the past because Formula One moves at such a pace. I'm more concerned with studying the data and finding out where I could have improved my times after my pit stop in Austria in preparation for this race. Our rate of development has been very good this year. We have improved a different aspect of the car and engine package at every single race. I know we are not far away from the day when everything comes together.'
JOHNNY HERBERT Car No.17 (SF3-05)
How physically demanding is Hockenheim?
'The G-force loads are not that severe because we are running low downforce even though Senna Kurve for instance is about -3.4g. I find it more mentally demanding. Concentration is crucial because you are travelling in a straight line at full throttle for long periods. You have to guard against your mind wandering off. I always try to visualise the chicanes at the end of the long straights to keep my concentration level up.'
What is the most crucial part of the circuit?
'The Complex is very important. It comes at the end of the lap when the tyres are hot due to the high speeds that have been generated during the lap. Traction is crucial because you're not carrying much wing and you can't rely on aerodynamic grip to get you in and out of the slow corners quickly. A little mistake at The Complex can make a big difference to your lap time.'
ANDY MILLER, SGP Race Director
'Despite Austria and Germany being back to back races, it's not the logistical nightmare you might think if you have a trouble-free race in Austria. The race team personnel stay on in Austria on Sunday night to fit new engines, fire them up and check that the management systems are working. New suspension and rear ends are fitted and by Sunday night they have become Hockenheim race cars. We have been pleased how the cars have performed in low downforce configuration at the Monza test, so we are confident of doing well this weekend.'
MARTIN WHITAKER, Director, Ford Racing, Europe
'The Series 3 version of the Ford Cosworth V10 CR-1 engine made its debut at last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix and, depending on the outcome of tests on the dyno at Cosworth Racing's Northampton base, we are already looking to introduce the Series 4 for Rubens and Johnny to use in qualifying at the German Grand Prix. With the long straights and the often high ambient temperatures Hockenheim puts a lot of strain on Formula One engines. The Series 4 engine runs to an even higher rev limit and underlines Ford's continuing desire to push the development of its new engine as fast as possible.
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