By BAR F1 (28/05/2004)
May 28 2004

Germany's Nurburgring - host to seven European GPs and two Luxembourg GPs since 1995 - is decidedly tame by comparison to its intimidating 14 mile, 174-corner predecessor. Further changes came in 2002 when the first turn was reprofiled to cut into the infield and around a new stadium section, slowing the track even more, but yielding another overtaking spot. Some superficial modifications also occurred for last year's race.

The current circuit remains a fairly high downforce track that is light on tyres. To achieve a competitive lap time here requires all the normal chassis attributes: good traction (particularly out of the hairpins), good chassis balance and stability under braking. As the circuit is situated close to the Eifel Mountains, weather can often play a major role in the outcome of races at the Nurburgring.

The 2004 European Grand Prix also marks the 40th anniversary of Honda's first Formula One race; Ronnie Bucknum started Honda's first ever F1 Grand Prix at the Nurburgring on 2 August 1964.