The GP3 paddock heads to Hockenheimring in Germany for Round 4 of the 2014 season this weekend. The track is known for its long straights and should provide for another entertaining event as the title race hottens up. The forecast for Hockenheim is for very warm temperatures with a chance of rain on Sunday just to add some spice into the mix.
It was Koiranen GP’s Jimmy Eriksson who claimed his first pole in Silverstone two weeks ago and only hours later the Swede bagged his debut win, holding off Red Bull Junior Team driver Alex Lynn. Status Grand Prix took honours in Race 2 by recording a 1-2 with Richie Stanaway and Nick Yelloly at the helm in an action packed race in front of the passionate home crowd.
Eriksson has closed the gap in the Drivers’ Standings behind Lynn to just eight points with Stanaway close in pursuit in third, whilst Carlin continues to head the Teams’ Standings in front of Status Grand Prix and Koiranen GP.
This weekend three drivers have grid penalties which will be imposed for Saturday’s Race 1: Eriksson, Pal Varhaug and Alex Fontana will all drop five places on the grid following an incident in Silverstone Race 2.
This is the home race for GP3 Series newcomers Hilmer Motorsport, whilst there are two German drivers on the grid: ART Grand Prix’s Marvin Kirchhöfer and Sebastian Balthasar with Hilmer Motorsport.
Pirelli have nominated the soft tyre this weekend.
Warm Up with Marvin Kirchhöfer:
“I think Hockenheim is one of the best tracks for overtaking as you have two really long straights so you get the slipstream which makes it really easy to pass. If you don’t get the pass done in Turn 3, at the exit of Turn 3 into the Parabolika/Arena is another great opportunity for overtaking. I think there will be some nice fights this weekend. It is a similar track layout to Spa-Francorchamps with two slow corners but generally it’s a fast track with some medium speed corners. As a racing driver it’s quite fun to race there. There should be no issue with tyre degradation; I imagine it will be similar to the Red Bull Ring.
Turn 1 can be tricky as you have the track limits so we will have to be careful and see if there are many penalties issued for that, I don’t want to be one of them! It’s the only race that all my family and friends can come too so maybe it will be a bit busier for me but I’m really looking forward to it, it will be something special.
Schedule:Friday 18th JulyFree Practice 17:50
Saturday 19th JulyQualifying 09.45Race 1 17.20
