What to expect at German GP: Ferrari out to impress, Hamilton's engine worries

Team to watch: Ferrari

• Sebastian Vettel finishing ahead of Max Verstappen in Sunday's race in Hungary was vital for morale at Ferrari as it ensured they kept ahead of Red Bull in the championship. Now they need to pull clear again.
• The Hockenheimring should aid their cause, as Red Bull won't enjoy the long flat-out run to the Spitzkehre.
• Ferrari tend to do well at the Hockenheimring. They won five of the nine races at the track since its little-loved 2002 overhaul which transformed it from a fast blast through the forests into an unremarkable modern autodrome.
• Kimi Raikkonen has received an important vote of confidence from Ferrari, who recently extended his contract for another year.

Also on the radar: Force India

• Force India have been quietly impressive this year and lie just 20 points behind fellow Mercedes engine customers Williams. Keeping in mind their luckless start to the season, it's clear the team has some form this year.
• As things stand they are on course to repeat their best-ever fifth in the constructors' championship. But they know they can put Williams under pressure, and the fight for fourth place is just as fierce as it is for second.
• In Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez it has two drivers who complement each other well: Hulkenberg's one-lap pace and Perez's deft way with nursing his tyres. That should give them a two-pronged attack against Williams, whose position as top Mercedes customer team is increasingly under threat.
• Wet conditions, which the Williams dislikes, could tip the balance in Force India's favour.

Engine worry for Hamilton

• Few will have been surprised to see Hamilton steadily overhaul the lead Rosberg built up in the championship. But having moved ahead with his win in Hungary Hamilton must turn his attention to his depleted supply of power units.
• Hamilton is already on his fifth example of some power unit components. He is likely to need a sixth and seventh before the season is over, which will incur a stiff grid penalty.
• He could do it this weekend - Hockenheim offers good overtaking opportunities so he would be able to fight back. Rosberg would then have a clear shot at a home win. But more likely Mercedes will do it at Spa, where their performance advantage should be even greater.