1982 German Grand Prix

Previous race

René Arnoux won at Paul Ricard for Renault, with teammate Prost second and the Ferraris of Pironi and Tambay third and fourth. Arnoux’s win came in controversial circumstances: a pre-race team agreement stipulated that if the two Renaults ran first and second, Prost — the better-placed in the championship — should be allowed to win. Arnoux did not honour the agreement. Pironi’s third place extends his championship lead to nine points over Watson. A major accident in the race saw Jochen Mass’s March launched into the spectator area at Signes corner after a collision with Mauro Baldi; several spectators suffered minor injuries, and Mass announced his retirement from Formula One immediately after the race.

Between-race developments

Jochen Mass has been replaced at March by Rupert Keegan.

Championship standings

Pironi leads the Drivers’ Championship by nine points ahead of Watson. Rosberg and Patrese are grouped further back.

Track changes

Hockenheim has been modified from last year. The first chicane has been made slower and a new chicane has been added to slow cars through the very fast Ostkurve section. The long straights still heavily favour the turbocharged cars — at Hockenheim turbo power is decisive.

Strategy

Brabham are again planning mid-race pit stops for fuel and tyres, having both drivers in the turbocharged BT50 this weekend. BMW executives attend the race at their home country Grand Prix.