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Hockenheim, Germany 29 July 2001
Travelling through the small village of Hockenheim you could be forgiven for thinking that you've taken a wrong turn on the way to the Hockenheimring, before seeing the circuit's main entrance which almost looks out of place. Nestled deep in the forest, the circuit is one of the fastest on the F1 calendar with incredibly long straights that force teams to use a low downforce wing set-up in order to achieve maximum straight line speed. However, in the interest of safety, this fast 'loop' is broken by three chicanes and the low downforce may need to be compromised as it hampers the cars' handling through the twisty and slow stadium section of the track. All of the circuit's grandstands are located in this area and when full, provide an awesome noise and sight.
The best opportunities for overtaking are under braking at the end of the long straights, although the track is quite narrow. Hockenheim was originally built as a proving ground for Mercedes road cars and the circuit will undergo revisions after this year's Grand Prix. The new track will cut through the forest to reduce its length to 4.5km, allowing for better access and spectator viewing.
Preview, 2001 German Grand Prix
Travelling through the small village of Hockenheim you could be forgiven for thinking that you've taken a wrong turn on the way to the Hockenheimring, before seeing the circuit's main entrance which almost looks out of place.
Chassis Details Ricardo Zonta - EJ11/04
Jarno Trulli - EJ11/05
T-car (set up for JT pre-race)- EJ11/06
Friday Practice, 2001 German Grand Prix
Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda made a cautious start to the weekend, Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta setting ninth and 13th fastest times at the end of today's two 60-minute practice sessions at Hockenheim.
"Today we worked on the race set-up," said Trulli. "We were looking for a good balance for Sunday and trying the two different types of tyres. In the second session I had a slight problem with the brakes, otherwise everything was fine."
Saturday Practice, 2001 British Grand Prix
Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda have much to think about before qualifying this afternoon after Jarno Trulli was 10th, and Ricardo Zonta 14th fastest during morning practice.
"It's difficult to understand where we are although it seems we are not that competitive at the moment," said Trulli. "I looks like it's going to be difficult to catch up with the top teams and, for now, we need to do a good job to get ahead of Sauber and BAR Honda because they seem pretty competitive today. We concentrated on qualifying this morning and we are still thinking what will be best. I'm sure we will improve."
Qualifying, 2001 German Grand Prix
A blown engine spoiled Jarno Trulli's chances of improving on 10th place on the grid during qualifying for tomorrow's German Grand Prix. A problem with traffic and a small mistake meant that the second Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda of Ricardo Zonta will start from 15th place.
"The car wasn't bad but it was a tough job," said Trulli. "I was trying hard but unfortunately I had a problem and had to stop at the far end of the circuit, really far away. The marshals weren't very professional because they didn't know where to send me; I had to look for the best way back but once I had found it, there was not enough time left to get back to the pits to take the spare car."
Sunday Warm-up, 2001 German Grand Prix
The 30-minute warm-up for this afternoon's German Grand Prix proved troublesome for Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda.
Jarno Trulli suffered an engine failure and had to return on foot to the paddock and take his back-up car to set 14th fastest lap in the time available. Ricardo Zonta was restricted to just three flying laps after spinning off.
Race Results, 2001 German Grand Prix
Bitter disappointment for Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda as neither car finished the German Grand Prix, Jarno Trulli retiring after 34 laps, Ricardo Zonta having stopped with collision damage seven laps into the 45-lap race.
"It was very difficult and disappointing," said Trulli.
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