Back to Hockenheim
OK, so the new Hockenheimring is nowhere near as iconic or thrilling as the old version of the track, but I personally felt Germany was missed as a result of not being on the calendar last year. Europe remains Formula One’s heartland (despite the influx of new races elsewhere) and the season builds real momentum as it hops between venues such as Spielberg, Silverstone, Hockenheim and Budapest.
Even without sell-out crowds, those fans who travel to such venues tend to make for an exciting atmosphere, and there’s simply a closer link to F1’s history than at the modern circuits. Perhaps Sebastian Vettel’s emulation of Michael Schumacher by moving to Ferrari will lead to him receiving even more support at his home race, too.
This year Germany does sit as the last race before the summer shutdown, meaning it would provide teams with a welcome extra week added to its mid-season break should it drop off the calendar again in future, but here’s hoping 2016 proves to be a success.
