Well, it rained at Hockenheim in both free practice sessions, making it more difficult than normal to give any credence to lap times. FP1 saw Button in the lead as rain lessened and intensified through the session meaning that running at the right time was the main concern.

FP2 saw Pastor Maldonado at the head of the pack, but conditions were again variable meaning that running at the right time was the determining factor in lap times.

This rain over the past two Friday sessions has made life very difficult for the teams, most of whom have applied significant upgrade packages either at Silverstone or here or both. McLaren's updates seem to be the most significant. Both of their drivers have emphasized the need for this package to work in order for them to stay in the title hunt.

Last piece of news, Nico Rosberg has earned himself a five place grid penalty for changing his gearbox.