The Bridgestone-supported GP2 Series returns to the German circuit of Hockenheim for the sixth roundof the 2008 GP2 Series. This circuit was last on the calendar in 2006 and drivers will find a challengingtrack at the location of the German Grand Prix, with an exciting mix of corners to test both them, andthe set-up skills of their engineers. Reigning GP2 Series champion Timo Glock has a good history hereas he finished on the podium both times in 2006, winning the Sprint race. Now a driver for thePanasonic Toyota Racing Team, Timo answered the following questions:
Question: How important was winning the GP2 Series for your return to Formula One?
GP2 was essential for me to get back to Formula One. When I was in Champ Car I had the chance tostay there and probably have a good career but I knew the only way to return to Formula One wasthrough GP2, because then I would be racing against the best young drivers right in front of theFormula One teams. It was very special to win the GP2 title but by the time of the last race in Valencia,winning the title wasn’t crucial to joining Toyota – it was just a very nice bonus.
Question: Do you think your experience of Bridgestone slick tyres from the GP2 Series and Champ CarWorld Series will help you for Formula One with slick tyres in the future?
It won’t do me any harm, that’s for sure. But in the end all the drivers in Formula 1 have had experienceof slick tyres earlier in their career, in F3 or whatever. The difference for me is that GP2 and ChampCars are more powerful so you really push the tyres more. Maybe I will have a slight advantage to startwith but I am racing against the best drivers in the world so I am sure they will adapt quickly in wintertesting. I am looking forward to racing in F1 on slicks; I think it is the right decision.
Question: How different is driving a race car with slicks and one with grooved tyres?
Slick tyres offer more grip than the grooved tyres because the contact patch is larger. Therefore youcan set faster lap times on slick tyres. The car balance on slicks is different and you have a much moreprecise front end.
Question: What are your memories of the Hockenheimring and what is the key to a good race there?
Hockenheim is one of my favourite circuits because it is my local track and I have had a lot of goodraces and wins there. To have a good race there it is important to have strong top speed but there isalso the last sector where there are slower corners, so you have to find a good balance. In the end Ithink it is a good mix of corners and I enjoy racing there.
Question: What have been your impressions of the GP2 Series season so far in 2008?
It is a strong championship with lots of different winners. It will be tight at the end to see who wins so itshould be really interesting to watch. Of course, I keep an eye on my former team, iSport, and also formy team-mate here at Toyota, Kamui Kobayashi, who is having a pretty good season at the moment.
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