Hockenheim the next test for Firman

Ralph Firman is preparing himself for another step into the unknown at Hockenheim for this weekend’s German Grand Prix.

The Jordan driver has been forced to learn the majority of Formula One tracks from scratch in his rookie season and Hockenheim is another circuit he has no experience of.

But Firman, the reigning Formula Nippon champion, is excited by the challenge and is determined to press his claim for another points scoring finish after breaking his duck in Spain in May.

The driver said: “Going to Hockenheim is another new experience for me as it will be the ninth circuit so far this season on which I have never previously raced in anything, never mind Formula One.

“That’s been the downside of concentrating on winning the Formula Nippon Championship instead of competing in European Formula 3000.

“However, I am pretty used to learning the circuits quickly and Hockenheim looks like a very interesting challenge. From what I have heard it’s going to be very hot and also that the revised circuit which was introduced last year was quite hard on tyres.

“No doubt the team has all the valuable information from last year’s race and can make the right decisions, and one change already is that we will be using a different tyre construction which will hopefully be good.

“I had a strong race in Silverstone, though the car’s pace is not where we want it to be, but I am determined to give it everything in the hope of more points.

“I am glad to see that Hockenheim at least offers some good overtaking opportunities.”