Formula 1 arrives in Germany next week for round 10 of the enthralling and ultra competitive 2007 World Championship. The European Grand Prix, which takes place at the Nürburgring, is Mercedes-Benz’s home race.
Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton’s second and third positions in the Santander British Grand Prix last weekend have seen the team retain the lead of the Constructors’ title, now with a total of 128 points. Lewis and Fernando also kept their positions in the Drivers’ standings, with 70 and 58 points respectively.
FAST FACTS
How is Mercedes-Benz celebrating the 80th anniversary of its first win at the Nürburgring?
In every year since 1995 Mercedes-Benz has presented a special programme to entertain the visitors of the Mercedes-Benz grandstand between the practice and qualifying sessions. This creates additional value at no extra cost to the spectators. In Safety Driving Centre One close to the racetrack the visitors can experience driving lessons onboard the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a professional driving instructor. The Mercedes-Benz vending area next to the paddock entrance is a meeting point for the fans of all teams: live music will be performed; pit stop contests will be held; interviews and autograph sessions, which will be announced well in advance, will be held with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 drivers; Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers and members of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team management.
Why is the Nürburgring synonymous with Mercedes-Benz?
The track is located alongside the legendary Nordschleife. The now 20km drive through the Eifel mountains, which was built in 1927, was used as a test track for the German automotive industry and soon began to host the German Grand Prix. The first race, which took place 80 years ago on 19 June 1927, was won by Rudolf Caracciola in the Mercedes S sportscar. The Nürburgring was also the birth place of the Silver Arrow, when in June 1934 Manfred von Brauchitsch won the Eifel race in a Mercedes W25. In order to meet the weight limit of 750kg, the car’s white paint work had to be stripped the night before the race exposing its silver aluminium body.
Where is the best overtaking opportunity?
Whilst there are a number of opportunities to overtake at the Nürburgring, the track is relatively tight so precision is key. Moves can be made into the downhill hairpin at turn seven and through the final chicane. In addition, the downward right hander of turn one that takes you into the Mercedes Arena often sees some action, with the wide entry funnelling the field into the tighter turn.
TEAM QUOTES
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