Nürburgring a "demanding all-round test of the car" - Toto Wolff

Mercedes

Nürburgring a "demanding all-round test of the car" - Wolff

Mercedes returns to where the "legend of the Silver Arrows was born"

Sam Hall

Thursday 8 October 2020 10:30

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is expecting a challenging weekend at the Eifel Grand Prix on a layout that will test every facet of the W11.

So far this season Mercedes has won eight of the 10 races, with Lewis Hamilton victorious on six occasions and Valtteri Bottas twice, including last time out in Russia.

The undulating, gravel-lined Nürburgring, however, is in stark contrast to Sochi, while cold, wet weather is also expected to play a significant role across the three days.

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In anticipation of a compelling weekend, Wolff said: "We know that the weather in the Eifel can be quite challenging at this time of year.

"It's forecast to be cold, rainy and windy - which can make the race very unpredictable.

"The circuit is a demanding all-round test of the car, with a range of corner types and speeds; in the ambient conditions, it will be a fun challenge to best adapt the W11 to the demands of the circuit. It will be an exciting weekend."

For both Mercedes and Wolff, the Nürburgring holds special memories.

On June 3, 1934, at the International Eifel Race, Mercedes-Benz debuted the W25.

The race took place on the fearsome Nordschleife where Manfred von Brauchitsch set a new lap record on the 174-corner layout, with an average speed of 122.5km/h, en route to victory.

Wolff continued, "We're very excited to go back to the Nürburgring. It's an iconic race track that plays an important part in Mercedes racing history.

"It's where the legend of the Silver Arrows was born back in 1934 and we are very proud to have added a few chapters to that rich heritage. "The Nürburgring also brings back some personal memories for me. I watched my very first race here at the track, it's where I fell in love with motor racing.

"I've also competed in many races here and even attempted the Nordschleife lap record back in 2009, which wasn't my best idea. So I always enjoy returning to the Ring."

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