Formula One returns to the Nurburgring after a six season absence for the newly titled Eifel Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton looks to match Michael Schumacher’s all-time record of 91 race victories on the German’s home soil.
Hamilton continues to lead the drivers’ championship despite Mercedes’ teammate, Valtteri Bottas cutting his lead down to 44 points after taking victory in Russia last time out, whilst there is a raging battle for third in the Constructors’ standings as seven points separates McLaren, Racing Point and Renault with Ferrari a further 25 points back in sixth place.
This weekend meanwhile sees Mick Schumacher and Callum Ilott make their F1 debuts as they drive for Alfa Romeo and Haas respectively in FP1 only, having both impressed throughout the 2020 F2 season.
Now here is a full lowdown on everything which you need to know ahead of the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Nurburgring
Laps: 60
Race Distance: 308.617km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 9 October | FP1 | 10:00am |
| Friday 9 October | FP2 | 2:00pm |
| Saturday 10 October | FP3 | 11:00am |
| Saturday 10 October | Qualifying | 2:00pm |
| Sunday 11 October | Race | 1:10pm |
Five Key Points
- With very few slow-speed corners around this track plus several straights of various lengths, expect to see Ferrari powered cars struggling this weekend.
- Rain showers and cold track temperatures are forecast throughout weekend which will create tough challenges for teams in terms of warming up the tyre temperatures to their working range, especially on safety car restarts during the race.
- In event of wet weather, Racing Point will be a team to watch because they seem to struggle in wet conditions more than other teams this season, although their Mercedes power unit should help them negate any issues along the various straights.
- Timing the car’s braking into turns 1,7 and 13 whilst maximising traction out of those corners will be key to nailing the perfect lap because mistakes at any of those corners could well be the difference for many teams in where they finish qualifying.
- FP1 should see an interesting comparison over one lap pace between Schumacher and Ilott despite driving for different teams, with the Brit having held the edge in F2 this season.
Race Recaps
If missed any of the ten previous rounds of the 2020 season, please click on the links below to catch up on the missed action.
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