Two home races on German circuits is a welcome luxury for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, but one that may soon be a thing of the past. The German Grand Prix that takes place in Hockenheim on 30th July is the 12th of 18 World Championship races and means two thirds of the 2006 season is now over, while at the same time launching a brace of back-to-back GPs. Just a week later, Formula One will be contesting its next round 1,000 kilometres away in Budapest.

In preparation for the German GP, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has been testing in Jerez and has come up with further aerodynamic innovations. Currently the team is just one point adrift of fifth place in the intermediate standings for the constructors' championship.

Nick Heidfeld: As the home Grand Prix, the German GP is naturally something special for me. A lot of fans are sure to come over from Switzerland too, as has always been the case. So I'm really looking forward to the crowds in Hockenheim. The unique stadium atmosphere in the Motodrom will also add to the mood. Basically I preferred the old Hockenheimring. The long forest straights meant that you drove with limited downforce, a set-up that made the later, twisty part of the track very difficult. I enjoyed that challenge. But of course there's a lot to be said for the new lay out. The fans can see more, the track is safer, and there's a good overtaking opportunity on the Parabolika. In terms of its characteristics, Hockenheim is not a very physical circuit. But that could change if it turns out to be as hot as it has been on a couple of occasions.

Jacques Villeneuve: I have fond memories mainly of the old track. The current lay out is no longer a low- downforce circuit and is similar to some of the other modern race tracks we drive on. There are a few good braking zones as well as passing opportunities, which make the races interesting. It is likely to be very hot in Hockenheim. Recently, our strength has not been in hot races or tracks requiring a lot of downforce. We will be doing our level best.

Robert Kubica: I know this track fairly well because I often drove there in my Formula 3 years. So for me it isn't a case of getting to know the circuit first. I'm hoping we'll have some productive practice sessions on Friday. It would also be nice if it was a bit cooler. That seems to make things easier.