Speaking in Thursday’s FIA press conference, Nico Rosberg argued that Mercedes’ season has not tailed-off in recent weeks. “ I don’t think that’s quite right – it’s just that we haven’t maximised what we had in the last few races and that then eventually finished with the race in Silverstone where yes, the track didn’t really suit our car,” he said. “I still think we have a good car and I still think if conditions suit us and we get a grip on the tyres – like at the track here in Hockenheim , which should suit our car a lot better – I think we should be able to do a much better result.”
 
Rosberg’s thoughts were echoed by team-mate Michael Schumacher. “I guess the most difficult race we have behind us – that was Silverstone. Hockenheim will suit our car much more naturally. And obviously I’m a lot more optimistic. We’d love to do well [in front of the Mercedes Tribune] and if one of us two could be on the podium, I think that will be great.
 
Unlike the many high-speed corners at Silverstone, the modern Hockenheim features just two, with most of the circuit medium speed. It also rewards good traction and stability under braking more than was the case at the British Grand Prix. 
 
“Our performance has been up and down recently, ranging from podiums to lower points finishes, and we need to work hard to improve our level of consistency and ability to challenge at the front of the field,” said team principal Ross Brawn earlier in the week. “The Hockenheim layout should be more suited to the F1 W03 than the high-speed Silverstone layout, and we are bringing some further improvements to the car which should help our performance. It would be very special to achieve a good result in Germany, so we will be working hard to achieve just that."