This year the German Formula 1 Grand Prix returns to Hockenheim as the fight for both the drivers and constructor’s title heats up as we head into the second half of the season.

First among the teams wanting to put in a good showing this weekend is Mercedes GP, with Ross Brawn’s introducing some updates to the W01 in a bid to produce the team’s best collective effort of the season. After a brilliant podium at Silverstone, another strong result could see Nico Rosberg leapfrog Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso into 4th place in the driver standings, while Michael Schumacher – who has an unrivalled record at the circuit - is ”looking forward to an exciting race in Germany” as the racing community waits expectantly for Schumi to reproduce the form that saw him clinch 7 world titles.

Force India is also brimming with confidence after scoring points in all but one race this season. Adrian Sutil has finished in the top ten in the last six races – a feat unmatched by any other driver on the grid – and is poised to extend this impressive record at his home grand prix. Tonio Liuzzi is also confident of a good result, having driven the track many times in his F3 days and he believes that the Hockenheimring will be more suited to the VJM03 than the downforce demanding Silverstone circuit.

The drivers championship still hangs in the balance, with McLaren duo Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button leading the way from Red Bull’s Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, who will need to capitalize on the RB6’s incredible speed to make up ground in the last nine races of the season. Fernando Alonso can also figure in the championship fight if he manages to string some wins together, though he will need teammate Felipe Massa to support his challenge by finishing ahead off his main competitors to help make up the point deficit.

Warm and sunny conditions are expected for the race, though there is a chance of rain on the Saturday for qualifying which could set the scene for another exciting battle on Sunday.

Current driver standings:
1. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren - 145 points
2. Jenson Button, McLaren - 133 points
3. Mark Webber, Red Bull - 128 points
4. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull - 121 points
5. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari - 98 points
6. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes GP - 90 points
7. Robert Kubica, Renault - 83 points
8. Felipe Massa, Ferrari - 67 points
9. Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP - 36 points
10. Adrian Sutil, Force India - 35 points