Hockenheim: Magnussen laughing, Button crying

Kevin Magnussen was much more comfortable than his teammate Jenson Button during qualifying for the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. The rookie placed himself six tenths from pole in the last qualifying session while the 2009 world champion failed at the gates of Q3 for three hundredths behind the Force India of Sergio Pérez. “I like to drive with the softer tires which give us more grip”, explains the Dane. “I don't expect to finish in fourth place tomorrow, but I'm already happy with this result... We should fight with the Red Bull and I think we are not far from their performances. »

McLaren seems to be in better shape on the Hockenheim circuit compared to previous results obtained in recent weeks. If the Woking team has developed a new rear wing, the withdrawal of the FRIC is on everyone's mind. “I think it worked to our advantage”, admits Kevin Magnussen. “The developments also played a big role in our performance in qualifying, but I don't know where the other teams are. Some of them have designed their cars around this system and they will surely suffer more from it. »

However, Kevin Magnussen's performance contrasts with the disappointment of Jenson Button who started from third position during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The McLaren driver took part in the first test session with the old rear wing to make comparisons. “It’s not an easy weekend for me. It's all the more a shame since I like this circuit. I'm struggling with the balance of the car. I encountered traffic in Q2, which cost me an opportunity to take a place in Q3. (Romain Grosjean) wasn't even in a fast lap. I had a very different balance on my last lap with a lot of oversteer. »

The start of the German Grand Prix will be at 14 p.m. and will be followed live on AUTOhebdo.fr. Photos of the event can be viewed on this link.