Jordan chief criticises Hockenheim alterations

Hockenheim has been criticised by Jordan's head of race and test engineering, James Robinson, ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix.

Hockenheim has been criticised by Jordan's head of race and test engineering, James Robinson, ahead of this weekend's German Grand Prix.

The Formula One circus heads to Germany, with home favourite Michael Schumacher expected to earn victory number 11 from 12 races on his march towards a seventh world title.

The track, however, has undergone changes in recent years, and Robinson feels this is to the detriment of the circuit to such an extent it has almost become nondescript. "Hockenheim is not the track it once was - gone are the beautiful long straights and a tighter track replaces them, requiring a higher level of downforce than the old long circuit," he said.

"In some respects it's removed some of the interest. It was one of the very different circuits in the calendar but now it tends to blend into the others."

Last year, Hockenheim basked in almost unbearable temperatures, and Robinson fears that could make the weekend incredibly difficult for all concerned. "It can be a very hot race and it would be a tough situation for the tyres and the drivers if we see temperatures like last year again," Robinson added.