German GP: Qualifying - Re-Cap & Results

GERMAN GRAND PRIX - QUALIFYING

    It's Nico Rosberg who will start the German Grand Prix from Pole Position and Lewis Hamilton will start from 2nd, making it another Mercedes front-row lock out.

    Romain Grosjean was given a 5-Place-Grid-Penalty for a gearbox change following FP3. Nico Hulkenberg was given a 1-Place-Grid-Penalty for using inappropriately identified tyres in Qualifying and Carlos Sainz was handed a 3-Place-Grid-Penalty for impeding Felipe Massa during Qualifying.

HOW IT WORKS:

Q1 = 18 minutes. All cars allowed to go out. At the end of the session, the six slowest are eliminated.

Q2 = 15 minutes. The remaining cars go out. At the end of the session, the six slowest are eliminated.

Q3 = 12 minutes. Final 10 cars go out. The final order at the end of the session is how the grid will line up. Fastest car starts from Pole Position.

GRID LINE-UP

1. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes-Mercedes / Germany

2. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain

3. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Australia

4. Max Verstappen / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Netherlands

5. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland

6. Sebastian Vettel / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany

7. Valtteri Bottas / Williams-Mercedes / Finland

8. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India-Mercedes / Germany*

9. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico

10. Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil

11. Esteban Gutierrez / Haas-Ferrari / Mexico

12. Jenson Button / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain

13. Fernando Alonso /McLaren-Honda / Spain

14. Jolyon Palmer / Renault-Renault / Great Britain

15. Carlos Sainz / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Spain**

16. Kevin Magnussen / Renault-Renault / Denmark

17. Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Russia

18. Pascal Wehrlein / Manor-Mercedes / Germany

19. Rio Haryanto / Manor-Mercedes / Indonesia

20. Romain Grosjean / Haas-Ferrari / France***

21. Felipe Nasr / Sauber-Ferrari / Brazil

22. Marcus Ericsson / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden

* - (Hulkenberg) 1-Place-Grid-Penalty for using inappropriately identified tyres

** - (Sainz) - 3-Place-Grid-Penalty for impeding Massa during Q2

*** - (Grosjean) 5-Place-Grid-Penalty for gearbox replacement post-FP3

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

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German GP: Free Practice 3 - Re-Cap & Times

GERMAN GRAND PRIX - FREE PRACTICE #3

    Mercedes continued to lead by topping the third and final practice session of the weekend and it was Rosberg once again who took the top spot with a 1:15.738. Hamilton finished in 2nd. Ricciardo, Raikkonen and Vettel completed the top 5.

    Both Romain Grosjean and Jenson Button suffered gearbox issues during the session. Button luckily didn't need a replacement but Grosjean had his gearbox changed and was handed a 5-Place-Grid-Penalty. Lewis Hamilton faced a potential penalty as well when the team released him in the pit-lane, right into the path of Grosjean. Hamilton wasn't handed a penalty or a reprimand, but Mercedes was fined 10,000 Euros for the unsafe release.

    Sergio Perez suffered minor car damage when he was one of many drivers to go off track and run over the red and white kerbing. He suffered damage to the front of the car, which was fixed in the garage before the end of the session.

TIMES:

1. Nico Rosberg - 1:15.738 / Mercedes-Mercedes

2. Lewis Hamilton - 1:15.795 / Mercedes-Mercedes

3. Daniel Ricciardo - 1:15.837 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

4. Kimi Raikkonen - 1:15.902 / Ferrari-Ferrari

5. Sebastian Vettel - 1:16.104 / Ferrari-Ferrari

6. Max Verstappen - 1:16.182 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

7. Valtteri Bottas - 1:16.400 / Williams-Mercedes

8. Felipe Massa - 1:16.630 / Williams-Mercedes

9. Fernando Alonso - 1:16.916 / McLaren-Honda

10. Nico Hulkenberg - 1:16.972 / Force India-Mercedes

11. Carlos Sainz - 1:17.028 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

12. Sergio Perez - 1:17.066 / Force India-Mercedes

13. Esteban Gutierrez - 1:17.160 / Haas-Ferrari

14. Daniil Kvyat - 1:17.227 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

15. Kevin Magnussen - 1:17.351 / Renault-Renault

16. Jolyon Palmer - 1:17.473 / Renault-Renault

17. Marcus Ericsson - 1:17.685 / Sauber-Ferrari

18. Felipe Nasr - 1:18.057 / Sauber-Ferrari

19. Jenson Button - 1:18.093 / McLaren-Honda

20. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:18.270 / Manor-Mercedes

21. Rio Haryanto - 1:18.272 / Manor-Mercedes

22. Romain Grosjean - 1:25.160 / Haas-Ferrari

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German GP: Free Practice 2 - Re-Cap & Times

GERMAN GRAND PRIX - FREE PRACTICE #2

    The weather changed quite a bit ahead of the second practice session and clouds loomed over the circuit. Luckily, rain wasn't an issue and the circuit stayed dry over the course of the session. Esteban Gutierrez and Jolyon Palmer got back to their cars after making way for Leclerc and Ocon in the 1st session. 

    It was another Mercedes 1-2, with Rosberg once again topping the session. The time was a slight bit slower than his fastest time in FP1. He ended the session with a 1:15.614 and was followed by Hamilton. Vettel, Verstappen and Ricciardo. Both Ferrari and Red Bull are looking to be having a very strong weekend and are close to the pace of the Mercedes duo.

    It was a better session for Force India with both Hulkenberg and Perez finishing inside the top 10. Hulkenberg finished in 7th, clocking a 1:16.781 and team mate, Perez in 9th, ending with a time of 1:17.148. Nico Hulkenberg confirmed he will stay with Force India in 2017 ahead of Friday's on-track activities. However, rumours continue to swirl around Perez. It is said that Renault are eager to pair him up with DTM driver, Esteban Ocon and scrap their current line-up of Magnussen and Palmer, altogether. 

    After the session, it was reported that Jenson Button had gone to the Medical Centre for an 'Eye irritation'. He then went to a local Hospital for further evaluation. Button later Tweeted the following: "On my way back to Hockenheim from the Mannheim hospital for an eye examination, foreign body found and removed. All good for tomorrow"

TIMES:

1. Nico Rosberg - 1:15.614 / Mercedes-Mercedes

2. Lewis Hamilton - 1:16.008 / Mercedes-Mercedes

3. Sebastian Vettel - 1:16.208 / Ferrari-Ferrari

4. Max Verstappen - 1:16.456 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

5. Daniel Ricciardo - 1:16.490 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

6. Kimi Raikkonen - 1:16.512 / Ferrari-Ferrari

7. Nico Hulkenberg - 1:16.781 / Force India-Mercedes

8. Jenson Button - 1:17.087 / McLaren-Honda

9. Sergio Perez - 1:17.148 / Force India-Mercedes

10. Fernando Alonso - 1:17.225 / McLaren-Honda

11. Carlos Sainz - 1:17.342 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

12. Daniil Kvyat - 1:17.367 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

13. Valtteri Bottas - 1:17.425 / Williams-Mercedes

14. Romain Grosjean - 1:17.602 / Haas-Ferrari

15. Felipe Massa - 1:17.686 / Williams-Mercedes

16. Esteban Gutierrez - 1:18.005 / Haas-Ferrari

17. Kevin Magnussen - 1:18.056 / Renault-Renault

18. Marcus Ericsson - 1:18.130 / Sauber-Ferrari

19. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:18.193 / Manor-Mercedes

20. Jolyon Palmer - 1:18.313 / Renault-Renault

21. Rio Haryanto - 1:18.591 / Manor-Mercedes

22. Felipe Nasr - 1:19.295 / Sauber-Ferrari

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German GP: Free Practice 1 - Re-Cap & Times

GERMAN GRAND PRIX - FREE PRACTICE #1

    After being dropped from the 2015 calendar due to shareholder/financial issues, the German GP weekend is back and drivers expressed their excitement to get back to driving at the Hockenheimring. In this first session, Esteban Ocon and Charles Leclerc also got to participate, with Ocon taking over Palmer's car at Renault and Leclerc driving for Gutierrez at Haas. 

    It was a Mercedes 1-2 with Nico Rosberg taking that top spot with an impressive 1:15.517. Hamilton was right behind, his time also in the 1:15's. Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen rounded up the top five. 

    A good session for McLaren with both cars finishing in the top 10. Fernando Alonso finished the session in 7th and Button in 8th. Alonso also celebrated his 35th birthday and was seen in his garage wearing a party hat and taking photos with a cake version of his racing helmet

    Before the session started, there was a confirmation that the 'Halo' concept will not be used in 2017 and that it will most likely be introduced in 2018 instead. Another change is that the radio restrictions have been relaxed and teams/drivers are allowed to get help without earning possible penalties.

TIMES:

1. Nico Rosberg - 1:15.517 / Mercedes-Mercedes

2. Lewis Hamilton - 1:15.843 / Mercedes-Mercedes

3. Sebastian Vettel - 1:16.667 / Ferrari-Ferrari

4. Kimi Raikkonen - 1:16.852 / Ferrari-Ferrari

5. Max Verstappen - 1:16.927 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

6. Daniel Ricciardo - 1:17.089 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

7. Fernando Alonso - 1:17.183 / McLaren-Honda

8. Jenson Button - 1:17.612 / McLaren-Honda

9. Daniil Kvyat - 1:18.008 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

10. Carlos Sainz - 1:18.044 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

11. Marcus Ericsson - 1:18.198 / Sauber-Ferrari

12. Valtteri Bottas - 1:18.210 / Williams-Mercedes

13. Felipe Massa - 1:18.322 / Williams-Mercedes

14. Romain Grosjean - 1:18.589 / Haas-Ferrari

15. Nico Hulkenberg - 1:18.591 / Force India-Mercedes

16. Sergio Perez - 1:18.628 / Force India-Mercedes

17. Charles Leclerc* - 1:18.882 / Haas-Ferrari

18. Kevin Magnussen - 1:18.933 / Renault-Renault

19. Felipe Nasr - 1:18.961 / Sauber-Ferrari

20. Esteban Ocon* - 1:18.981 / Renault-Renault

21. Rio Haryanto - 1:19.167 / Manor-Mercedes

22. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:19.975 / Manor-Mercedes

* - Driving in this session only

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Rosberg Extends Mercedes Contract

ROSBERG EXTENDS MERCEDES CONTRACT

    Nico Rosberg has extended his contract with Mercedes F1 team for two more years. The German was set to be out of contract at the end of the season, but the new contract will keep him at the championship team until the end of 2018.

    Mercedes said in a statement that he has played a crucial role in the team’s success since joining in 2010. In that time, Rosberg has finished second in the championship twice, helping the team to two teams’ championships and a second place.

    The move is no doubt a boost for Rosberg, who is battling against team mate Lewis Hamilton for the drivers’ title. Hamilton will also be at the team next year.

    The extension removes one more seat for silly season to speculate about, leaving few what can be considered “top” seats left for those drivers still looking to secure a 2017 drive.

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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Manor

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - MANOR RACING F1 TEAM

Pascal Wehrlein - “It’s my home Grand Prix - the one I’ve been most looking forward to. It will also be the busiest so far for me, so maybe after that a little break will be nice. I intend to enjoy it. Of course Germany will have a special significance as the first home race of my F1 career. First of many, I hope! Knowing a race track does have its advantages but, really, we push just as hard at every track we race at.”

Rio Haryanto - N/A

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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Toro Rosso

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO F1 TEAM

Daniil Kvyat - “The last time I raced here in 2014, I qualified eighth which wasn't bad, but unfortunately I had to retire from the race with an ignition problem. It's an interesting track, starting with Turn 1 which is a very high-speed corner and can be quite tricky on the opening lap. The exit of Turn 3 is where you need really good traction, especially in the race and after Turn 4 you drive down the long curved straight – time for a beer and a sausage. It's so long!

The hairpin at Turn 6 is a good place to try and overtake, but you have to keep an eye in your mirrors as it's also a good place to be overtaken! Another nice part of this circuit is Turn 12 - the stadium section, where you need to be brave to get it right. There's usually a great atmosphere here with a very noisy crowd. Turn 13 has positive camber and it's good to carry a lot of speed here while, in contrast, Turn 16 has negative camber. If I have to choose the corner I enjoy the most, that's Turn 12.”

Carlos Sainz - N/A

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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Red Bull

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - RED BULL RACING FORMULA 1 TEAM

Daniel Ricciardo - “I think the Hockenheimring is actually a pretty fun track. I like entering the stadium section. Also the fans are huge motorsport fans, which is always pretty awesome. There are some cool little towns around the track which offer some traditional German food and after my week in Austria I can’t wait to enjoy my second round of Schnitzels.”

Max Verstappen - N/A

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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Haas

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - HAAS F1 TEAM

Romain Grosjean - “I’d like us to go into the break with a strong final race. It’s always good to get a morale boost before the shutdown. Everyone can reflect on what we’ve done and what we can do better. It’s important for everyone to get a rest. It’s a long season and we’re only just over halfway through at the break. The big flyaway races come after that. We’ve had an amazing first half of the season and I’m sure we can do more in the second half. For that, we really need to keep working, keep our focus and take some rest whenever we can.

Hockenheim is definitely a lot about straight-line speed, braking and traction out of the corners. When you get good traction through the low-speed corners, you have a much better straight-line speed. You’ve got the stadium part, which is very narrow as well. It’s a good balance between having top speeds and fuel efficiency, and traction and braking being suitable.

It’s always great to visit somewhere with good memories. I won at the circuit in Formula Three, and in Formula Renault 1.6. I won there in the GP2 Series until a post-race penalty dropped me to second. Every year is different though. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. The important thing is to make it count now.

The entry into the stadium section is definitely my favourite part of the Hockenheimring. It’s amazing. You’re coming in from really fast corners, then you just turn into a very narrow section of the track. It’s fun.”

Esteban Gutierrez - “It’s one of my favourite tracks. It’s one of the first I drove in Europe when I came to race Formula BMW in 2008. It’s a pretty special place for me. There are some corners that I really love about it - definitely the entry to the stadium. It’s a very high-speed corner, and you enter with a lot of speed and no margin of mistake. You have the gravel straight away and then you have a very narrow track, and it arrives into the banked corner, which is really interesting.

I want the team to be going into the summer break in good shape with a positive race at Hockenheim. I feel it will be an important occasion for every team member to also recharge their batteries because it has been quite a nonstop season for us right from the beginning. It will be an important break. Everyone can come back strong and we can continue our way through the season.”

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German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Williams

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING 

Valtteri Bottas - “Last time we were in Germany was in 2014 and I was second place in the race, one of my best F1 results. It’s a track I’ve driven a lot when I was in the junior categories like Formula Renault and Formula 3, so I know the place really well. It’s nice to go back to Germany after a bit of a break, and hopefully we’ll have another warm welcome.”

Felipe Massa - “It will be nice to return to the German Grand Prix after we didn’t have it last year. We’re heading to Hockenheim, a track I really enjoy driving. I hope we have a good race because the Hockenheimring could be a great track for our car. We’ll see at the weekend.”

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