Track temperature has a big influence on car set-up at the Hungaroring. If it's relatively cool, as was the case in 2006, the overriding handling characteristic of a car is understeer; if it's hot, it is oversteer. Invariably the weather has been hot during the race's 22-year history, so the engineers will arrive at the track this week expecting oversteer and will seek ways of protecting the rear tyres during the race.

If the ambient temperature exceeds 30 degrees, the track's lack of straights and low average speed could make cooling a concern. However, the high temperatures experienced during testing last week at Jerez, a track with a similar layout to the Hungaroring, provided useful cooling data ahead of the race weekend.

The middle sector of the lap from Turn 4 through to the exit of Turn 11 gives the best indication of a car's performance. The sector begins with a couple of slow corners, but ends with a very fast right-hander, which makes it hard to find a good balance. If a car is quick through this sector, you can expect it to be quick around the whole lap.

The Honda team had an extensive test session at Jerez last week in preparation for this weekend’s event team principal of the Brackley based squad, Ross Brawn, explained that they were running the final stage of their mid-season aerodynamic upgrade, evaluating a new suspension system, brake and engine modifications.

“The test went very well, with the full programme completed in punishingly hot conditions, therefore we are very satisfied,” he said. “Our evaluation of the resulting data should have positive results for the performance of the RA108 in the forthcoming races and for the direction of the 2009 car."

Looking ahead to this weekend’s race, Brawn explained the challenges that the Hungaroring will present…

"The Hungaroring is a low speed and high downforce track where we will face similar challenges to Monaco, albeit with a different layout and corner speeds. We frequently see high ambient temperatures during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend which, combined with a low average speed of 197kph, can make engine and brake cooling a challenge. The supersoft Bridgestone Potenza tyre is fastest here and it is important to maintain a balance to avoid graining and overheating. The track generates grip throughout the weekend, even during the race, therefore anticipating the best set-up for the conditions is key."