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Panasonic Toyota Racing turns its focus eastwards this weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the last race before Formula 1's traditional summer break. Held at the twisty Hungaroring in Budapest since 1986, the Hungarian Grand Prix presents a return to the kind of high-downforce aerodynamic package used at Monaco.
With 4.381km made up of 14 mostly tight turns, the Hungaroring has one of the slowest laps on the calendar at an average speed of around 195km/h - 50km/h slower than Monza. This requires a specific aerodynamic package for Hungary which maximises downforce at the cost of drag on the track's short straights.
Therefore Jarno Trulli will have high-downforce front and rear wings, as well as other aerodynamic adjustments, available this weekend. Following a difficult German Grand Prix, which saw the team's fine run of results come to an end, a return to the points in Hungary is the clear target.
"I enjoy racing at the Hungaroring because it is a challenging circuit which is good fun to drive. It's a narrow track with a lot of corners in quite a short lap so it's not easy to overtake,” Jarno said. “That means qualifying will be particularly important here. Usually we expect a dusty track because it isn't used regularly and this is quite a challenge for a driver because if you run off line you lose a lot of time, so you really have to concentrate to avoid making even the smallest mistake.”
“Normally this race is one of the hottest of the year so you really need to be in good condition to stay sharp throughout the race, although I have done my training so it won't be a problem for me. I have usually been competitive in Hungary, even if I have been a bit unlucky with results, so I am optimistic for the weekend and I expect to score points again. We showed in qualifying at Hockenheim that we can fight close to the front so our aim is to repeat that pace and get back in the points." |