In a nutshell: which tyres for the German GP?

Formula 1 returns to Hockenheim next weekend, a track where Grand Prix racing's latest-spec wider and faster cars have never raced.

The German venue, which has retained an atmosphere of tradition despite its revamped lay-out, is a favourite among many drivers for its blend of long straights and technical sections.

Pirelli's range of tyres at Hockenheim will include the medium, soft and ultrasoft compounds, the Italian manufacturer thus offering another 'step' in its selection, a combination last seen In Chian earlier this year.

Ex-Bridgestone man a big factor in Haas performance - Magnussen

"Germany is a bit of an unknown quantity, with no Grand Prix having taken place there since 2016," says Pirelli's F1 boss Mario Isola.

"In the meantime, a lot has changed on the cars as well as of course, the tyre range, while the Hockenheimring itself is substantially unaltered.

"Once again, we’ve decided to incorporate a step in the tyres that we’ve nominated in order to provide a roughly equal performance gap between the chosen compounds.

"This contributed to a great race in China, with some interesting repercussions on strategy, so hopefully itwill be the same again.

"The data collected in free ractice will be especially important as teams re-acquaint themselves with the circuit and also work out how best to use the tyre nomination to their advantage."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.