Hungarian GP - Williams Toyota - PreviewRound 11 of the Championship and the final race prior to the traditional three week August summer break takes Formula One to the cultural hotspot of Budapest this weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
In 1986, Hungary became
the first Eastern European country to host a Grand Prix and has remained a permanent fixture on the calendar ever since. Over its 22 race history, the Hungaroring has provided the backdrop for a host of dramatic racing outcomes and, with the competition so fierce throughout the field, Formula One’s fans should be in for another thrilling Grand Prix this weekend.
For Williams, Nico Rosberg will be chasing his first points paying finish since Monaco, while Nakajima is looking to add to his tally of lower points paying finishes in recent events.
Nico Rosberg
"Hungary is a very different track to the ones we’ve been racing at over the past few Grand Prix. It has a similar layout to Monaco, a circuit which suited our car, and is a track which really requires a different set-up direction to that which we’ve run at the past few races, so Hungary should be a better race for us. We did a good job in qualifying there last year and we then went well in the race, so I think we can look forward to a good weekend. It’s always very hot at Budapest, which can make it really tough, but it’s never a problem for me.
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Kazuki Nakajima
"I’ve never driven a Formula One car at the Hungaroring, but I raced there in GP2 last year and had a pretty good result. The circuit itself should suit our car, and we did a lot of work at the Jerez test last week on set-ups so we are well prepared. Budapest looks like a really cool place to visit. I obviously stayed in the city last year, but I didn’t have much of an opportunity to look around, maybe this year I’ll get out a bit more."
Sam Michael, Technical Director
"The Hungaroring is a maximum downforce circuit that requires the driver to maintain a smooth driving style throughout the course of the lap because the car is almost always laterally loaded. Concentration is therefore crucial for developing a good rhythm around the lap. As sustained high speed corner loading isn’t a problem in Hungary, Bridgestone will take the Soft and Super Soft tyre compounds to Budapest. Strategy can be quite varied, with one, two and three stop strategies all used effectively in past races. Obviously such a tight and twisty circuit demands a good qualifying performance and a strong start as it’s extremely difficult to overtake."
Williams Toyota
