HOCKENHEIM, Germany -- With Europe's heatwave forecast to give way to thunderstorms and cooler weather overnight, the data gathered in the stifling heat of Friday's practice sessions in Germany could mean very little for the rest of the grand prix weekend. But as a standalone test in extreme conditions, second practice at Hockenheim was quite revealing.
As expected, the heat tilted the playing field in Ferrari's favour as Mercedes' cars, which also struggled in 35C conditions at the Austrian Grand Prix, were pegged back. Mercedes' cooling issues weren't as obvious as in Austria -- long runs were still among the most competitive -- but the team has opened up the rear of the car significantly for extra cooling this weekend.