Hungarian Grand Prix: Toto Wolff: Mercedes taking Ferrari threat seriously

“A proper old-school grand prix for the real racing enthusiast”.

Although, their 700th race in 2004 was marked by Michael Schumacher wrapping up the last of his seven championships. Of course, they’ve been nowhere near the podium so far and while Hungary’s double-points finish was a step in the right direction, the result owed as much to the thrills and, in particular, the spills elsewhere as it did their own performance.

McLaren’s racing director Eric Boullier added: “Spa is a truly spectacular circuit – arguably the best on the calendar for many – but, given the unique power and downforce package required, the track won’t play to our strengths”.

Former Buckingham University student, Marc Gene, who is the Ferrari official test and reserve driver, said this week: “We’ve been working hard this season and we believe we are now much closer to Mercedes than at the start”.

He may need to take special note of the form of Finn Kimi Raikkonen who is not only a Spa specialist, but also a driver boosted by being told on Wednesday that he will stay with Ferrari next year. The present track is 7,395 km long. Motorsport writer Phil Duncan guides us through the main talking points heading into the first race back after the four-week summer break.

Track length: 7.004 km (4.352 mi). To cope with this wide-ranging set of demands, Pirelli has selected the most versatile compounds in the range: medium and soft.

Lap record: Sebastian Vettel – 1:47.263 (Red Bull, 2009).

Hamilton, 21 points clear of Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg after 10 of 19 races, has had three poor starts in a row despite all being from pole position and the big question is what difference the change will make.

Hamilton’s teammate, Nico Rosberg, will also be in the centre of attention as he returns to the same circuit where he collided with Hamilton in 2014, for which Rosberg received all the blame.

“The break was a good opportunity to recharge my batteries and spend some time at home with my family”.

Last year’s strategy and how the race was won: Daniel Ricciardo won his second consecutive race for Red Bull (the third victory of his career) using a two-stop strategy for the 44-lap race from fifth on the grid.

“It would have been a different race on Sunday if I’d had a good start but it wasn’t the case and how I reacted was not the correct way, especially when I know better”.