- 19 Jul 12, 11:50#312810Mark Webber tells us what he really thinks of the current Hockenhiemring circuit
skysports.com
Mark Webber says he is not looking forward to this weekend's German Grand Prix as he dislikes the new shorter layout at Hockenheim.
Under pressure from Formula 1 bosses, the track was dramatically altered ahead of the 2002 race with German designer Hermann Tilke recruited to create a shorter lap, thus meaning the fans saw more of the cars.
The long blasts through the forest disappeared as the track was cut from 4.2 miles in length to 2.8 miles with the action now mainly centred on the stadium section.
Webber, whose best result at Hockenheim came in 2004 when he finished sixth for Jaguar, admits that every time he drives the track, his mind drifts back to the old circuit.
"The race is at Hockenheim this year and, to be honest, I much prefer the Nurburgring," Webber said on his official website.
"The old Hockenheim was a really cracking circuit; it was a flat-out blast through the forest and every time I brake for Turn 2 on the new track I wish we continued in a straight line, on the route of the old circuit.
"There are a couple of overtaking places on the current track, particularly into the hairpin at the end of the back straight. But it's not that thrilling to drive and it's not even that technical.
"The Germans love F1, so there's a big following for the German drivers at this race. There are plenty of them - five - so there should be a good atmosphere come race day."
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