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Preparations for one of the Mercedes GP team’s home races, the German Grand Prix, began today at the Hockenheimring with the first two practice sessions taking place in very different conditions.
This morning's session was preceded by heavy showers leaving a very wet track, therefore Nico and Michael ran on extreme wet tyres, with Nico having a short run on intermediates towards the end.
"In the wet conditions this morning, the car was very good and our pace looked quick. It was more difficult to get the intermediate tyres working, however we didn't do many laps so I'm sure we would have been fine there too,” Nico said.
“In the dry this afternoon, I was less happy with the balance of the car in general. It was difficult as there was so little time to try and do our usual programme so we had to focus on the long runs without making too many set-up changes. We need to have a good look at the data and see what we can change without taking too many risks as I'm not completely happy with the balance yet."
With dry conditions for the afternoon session, the track was suitable for slicks, and gave the team the first opportunity to evaluate the latest upgrades for the MGP W01. Nico completed 52 laps and ended the day in fifth place with Michael completing 33 laps in sixth position.
"Today's sessions were a bit mixed due to the weather conditions but we were able to get the car working by the end so it was a reasonable day,” Schumacher said. “One of my excursions caused some damage to the floor which led to a second excursion afterwards and we decided to stop slightly early this afternoon.”
“We are looking reasonable over one lap and on longer runs, confirming what we already hinted at during the last weekend in Silverstone. If everything goes as it should tomorrow, we should reach fifth or sixth position, which is a step forward, and maybe even more in the race. But for sure, we will do everything possible to achieve a good result for our fans at our home race." |
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