Formula 1 News

Williams: 2008 Hungarian GP preview 

Sam Michael: “The Hungaroring is a maximum downforce circuit that requires the driver to maintain a smooth driving style throughout the course of the lap because the car is almost always laterally loaded. Concentration is therefore crucial for developing a good rhythm around the lap. As sustained high speed corner loading isn’t a problem in Hungary, Bridgestone will take the Soft and Super Soft tyre compounds to Budapest. Strategy can be quite varied, with one, two and three stop strategies all used effectively in past races. Obviously such a tight and twisty circuit demands a good qualifying performance and a strong start as it’s extremely difficult to overtake.”

Kazuki Nakajima: “I’ve never driven a Formula One car at the Hungaroring, but I raced there in GP2 last year and had a pretty good result. The circuit itself should suit our car, and we did a lot of work at the Jerez test last week on set-ups so we are well prepared. Budapest looks like a really cool place to visit. I obviously stayed in the city last year, but I didn’t have much of an opportunity to look around, maybe this year I’ll get out a bit more.”

Nico Rosberg: “Hungary is a very different track to the ones we’ve been racing at over the past few Grands Prix. It has a similar layout to Monaco, a circuit which suited our car, and is a track which really requires a different set-up direction to that which we’ve run at the past few races, so Hungary should be a better race for us. We did a good job in qualifying there last year and we then went well in the race, so I think we can look forward to a good weekend. It’s always very hot at Budapest, which can make it really tough, but it’s never a problem for me.”

source: AT&T Williams