Hamilton expects the unexpected
Thursday 21st July 2011
Lewis Hamilton is wary of again being bitten by the Nurburgring after bearing the scars of his last two visits to the German track.
After what he describes as "eventful" races in 2007 and 2009 at the Nurburgring - which shares the German Grand Prix with Hockenheim on alternate years - Hamilton knows it is pointless attempting to second guess how he might fare this weekend.
In his two races for McLaren at Hockenheim, Hamilton has finished first and fourth, but the Nurburgring has not been kind to the 26-year-old as he was ninth four years ago and 18th and last in 2009.
"The last time we were here it was such a mixed weekend," said Hamilton.
"We'd been struggling with the car in the early races of the season and the guys back at the factory had been working around the clock to find a solution.
"From my very first lap I could feel the difference in the car. It had been transformed.
"I qualified well, got a really good start thanks to the KERS (power-boost system), and I was just about in front at the first corner when I was hit from behind and picked up a puncture, which damaged the car.
"In 2007 we had that crazy race with a huge downpour after just a few laps.
"I'd pitted for rain tyres after again getting a puncture, but even with those it was too slippery.
"I just hit some standing water and went straight off, along with several other drivers, in the same place.
"Race control made the right call to stop the race, and the marshals did an amazing job in hazardous conditions to lift me out of the gravel with the crane.
"Since I'd kept the engine running I was able to get back and take the restart.
"I was a lap down, but I really enjoyed myself in the race, even though I finished just out of the points."
It was in 2007 at the Nurburgring Hamilton also suffered his first serious crash in F1, a 175mph smash in qualifying that made him a doubt for the race the following day.
After passing the medical tests, the torrential downpour early in the race merely added to his woes.
With wet weather again forecast for this weekend, Hamilton added: "The lesson to draw from all my experience is never to make predictions when you come to the Nurburgring.
"The current circuit may be less epic than the original 14-mile layout, and certainly a lot safer, but it can still bite you.
"The weather can turn in a matter of moments. You can have all the seasons in one afternoon.
"When that happens, I know I can rely on the team to react quickly and decisively."
Hamilton will need whatever help he can get this weekend as he trails Sebastian Vettel by 95 points going into the 10th race of the 19-round season.
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
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