With most of Europe in the grip of a fierce heatwave, we're in for a hot time at Hockenheim for the German Grand Prix this weekend and the first of two back-to-back races, with Hungary to follow just seven days later.

Temperatures are forecast to be in the high 30's Celsius when practice gets underway on Friday and although it may be a little cooler over the weekend, we're hoping Ralf and Jarno will be making things hot for our rivals on the track.

"We did well in France and we should get another strong result on Sunday," says Ralf who is looking forward to racing on home soil again.

"It's always nice to come back to Hockenheim. The atmosphere is really good with plenty of noise from the fans in the stadium section."

Toyota's Jarno Trulli will be aiming to maintain the momentum from Canada and Indianapolis next weekend, when he heads to Magny Cours for the French Grand Prix.


Trulli finished fourth at the USGP last weekend and was sixth in Montreal, his first points finishes of the year after a miserable start to the season, which saw him fail to score in all eight events prior to that at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.


The Italian now wants to build on their recent improved pace with the TF106B and notch up his third points finish in a row.



Speaking prior to the event, he explained that he is a fan of the event:

"I have very good memories of Magny-Cours and I always enjoy visiting France. French is one of the languages that I speak because of all the time that I have spent working for French teams in Formula 1," he noted. "That means I have a good relationship with the French fans and I expect to have lots of support in the grandstands."

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Formula One Championships - USA Grand Prix, Indianapolis
Final positions: 9 finished

Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli know all about the perils of the Monaco street circuit. Last year Ralf hit the barrier during qualifying whilst Jarno’s ambitions overtaking manoeuvre cost him any chance of points. With the new rules mixed in for 2006, both drivers are expecting a tough weekend.


Ralf Schumacher has enjoyed many successes over the years on the narrow street circuit, as well as many lows including a number of accidents and missed opportunities.

“I have always been quick there and I've taken pole position and a podium in the past. Last year I made the points and we will hope for more this weekend.” Nevertheless Ralf is pleased to be back in Monaco. "From a driving point of view it's great to drive at Monaco and a challenge to be quicker than everyone else round the narrow streets.”

Ralf also pointed out the perils of the Monaco circuit as well as reminding us that anything can happen from qualifying to race.

“The barriers are closer than anywhere so you need to adapt your approach slightly. But that is something we have all got used to down the years. The first challenge is to secure a good place on the grid and then to try and finish the race without mishap.”

Tyres will once again be an important factor this weekend, with the TF106B also making its debut, Ralf is hoping for a positive weekend.

"Tyre choice is always tricky because the track changes so much during the weekend. But if you have a driveable car here it's fun so I'll be looking forward to trying out our new TF106B."

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Toyota


2006 car: Toyota TF106.

Engine: Toyota. Tyres: Bridgestone.
Team Base: Cologne, Germany.


Team Chief: Ange Pasquali. Technical Director: Mike Gascoyne.

Test Drivers: Ricardo Zonta (Brazil). First F1 GP: Australia 2002. Last Year: 4th, 88pts.
History: Races: 68. Points: 115. Wins: 0. Best ch'ship position: 4th, 88pts (2005).


7 Ralf Schumacher


Born: June 30, 1975, Germany. GP debut: Australia, 1997. Starts: 151. Wins: 6. Poles: 5. Fastest laps: 8. Points: 304. Best ch'ship position: 4th, 49pts (2001), 42pts (2002).


8 Jarno Trulli


Born: July 13, 1974, Italy. GP debut: Australia, 1997. Starts: 129. Wins: 1. Poles: 2. Fastest laps: 0. Points: 160. Best ch'ship position: 6th, 46pts (2004).


First out with their new car in November of 2005 but no nearer the elite in terms of pace.


The new aero package delivered in February improved matters but it may take until the second half of the season for Toyota to get the most of the change to Bridgestone tyres.


A revised chassis is due for round seven in Monaco, so expect Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli to be solid rather than spectacular early on.


Big-spending Toyota have been linked with Michael Schumacher, Raikkonen and Montoya in the winter, suggesting that Ralf and Trulli are fighting for their futures in 2006.