Q&A: James Robinson - Chief Race Engineer - BAR.

The newly redesigned Hockenheim circuit represents a foray into the unknown for all 11 Formula One teams this weekend. Here Lucky Strike BAR Honda's Chief Race Engineer James Robinson shares his thoughts on the revised layout and what difficulties he anticipates the teams will face.

Q:
James [Robinson]. What do you make of Hockenheim's new layout?

James Robinson:
I think it has had its unique character removed and now looks very similar to Austria.

Q:
Has the team run the car there at all and if not, how do you best prepare for what is really a brand new track?

JR:
We have not run a car on the new track yet. We've done a lot of software simulation work in order to prepare for this race though.

Q:
What particular demands to you think it will place on the car?

JR:
I think the tyres will be the deciding factor in the race as the tyre manufacturers have not tested on this circuit as yet. Now that we have lost the long straights there will be less heat in the tyres, so we will be able to use a much softer compound.

Q:
How does this differ from the previous circuit?

JR:
The high speed straights have gone so overtaking opportunities have been reduced. Previously there were three or four good overtaking opportunities. That now will be reduced to perhaps two.

Q:
Does the removal of the long straights give the team a better chance for points?

JR:
Not necessarily. We are often quite good on such circuits. We had a podium position last year on the old circuit. Our car is better in low drag/ high downforce configurations and while the new layout may help engine reliability this doesn't automatically mean that we will be more competitive.

Q:
Finally, do you expect the new Hockenheim to be a one or two-stopper?

JR:
As usual this depends on tyres and how conservative or adventurous Bridgestone has been. It used to be a one-stop race when it was a 44-lap race but that has changed now.