The Santander German Grand Prix is the McLaren team’s second home race of the year. Having had such a fantastic and close relationship with Mercedes-Benz for 15 years means that the Woking based squad will meet many old friends in Germany and they really enjoy the fantastic support they receive – not only from the many thousands of Mercedes-Benz employees who attend the race, but also from the hugely vocal crowd that always plays such a large part in making the atmosphere at a German racetrack so unique.

While the team can’t expect to match their previous record in Germany, where they have won the race for the past two seasons, they are still pushing hard to develop the MP4-24 into a more competitive proposition. However, knowing the situation, Heikki is well aware how hard the coming weekend may be....

“The Nürburgring is a great circuit. It’s got a variety of different corners – some quite tricky, technical sections that need a good flowing rhythm and some faster bends, where the car needs to be well set up. Cresting the rise through the uphill esses after the hairpin just feels fantastic in a Formula 1 car,” he said.

“Coming to Germany is the perfect time to pay tribute to the efforts of everyone at Mercedes-Benz. Their engines are probably the most powerful and most reliable in the sport and their KERS is also fantastic. Mercedes-Benz has played such a big role in the success of our team, so I’m really hoping to have a strong race in front of all our supportive fans at our second home race of the season.”

“Myself, Lewis and the rest of the team are working hard to develop this car – it’s a long process, but we are all pulling together and we’re hopeful of making some further steps soon.”