German Grand Prix

1. This years German Grand Prix returns to Hockenheim after being held last year at the Nurburgring. The Nurburgring hosted the European Grand Prix for most of the previous 20 years but that race is held on the waterfront in Valencia, leaving the Ring with no Grand Prix.



2. Following a redesign in 2001, Hockenheim is one of the shortest circuits in the calendar. The current 2.8 mile Grand Prix circuit only includes 13 turns. Kimi Raikkonen holds the current lap record, 1.13.780 record in the 2004 race Michael Schumacher won.



3. The Hockenheim complex features a quarter mile track for drag racing. It holds one of the largest Drag Racing events in Europe, known as the NitrOlympx.



4. Four drivers on the current grid have won previously a German Grand Prix at Hockenheim: Lewis Hamilton (2008), Michael Schumacher (2006, 2004, 2002, 1995), Fernando Alonso (2005) and Rubens Barrichello (2000). In the last 10 Grand Prix held at Hockenheim, 5 times has the driver on Pole Position won the race.



5. Michael and his brother Ralf are the only German drivers since 1938 to win the German Grand Prix. With 6 Germans on the grid this year, there is every chance a home favourite could triumph again.

German Grand Prix Highlights

1. The Hockenheim track has changed much but the last revision to the track was in 2001. Kimi Raikkonen stuck his McLaren on pole in 2006 and the same track will be raced on this year.
   Kimi drives us round with Martin Brundle giving the tour guide



2. The German Grand Prix of 1994 saw 10 cars retire on lap one after multiple collisons on the start line.
   Watch the chaos with some crazed German commentary here



3. The same race also saw Jos Verstappen experience every drivers worst nightmare, a pit lane fire. Jos The Boss emerged with burns around the eyes but fortunately no serious injuries.
   See the Dutch maestro's fireball here



4. The Nurburgring was the scene of the 1957 German Grand Prix and was one of Juan Manuel Fangio's greatest ever wins. The brilliant Argentine was 50 seconds off the lead, but battled back and won one of the most memorable German Grand Prix ever seen.
   Frantic 1957 pitstop action for Juan Manuel Fangio



5. Nelson Piquet may have won three World Championships but he would never have made it as a boxer, as proved at the 1982 German GP.
   Watch something amusing here.