AUTOSPORT picks out the five key themes to keep an eye on ahead of the German Grand Prix

Look to the hairpin

Hockenheim offers a double flashpoint on the opening lap, with the usual charge off the line to the first corner followed a few corners later by the long drag into the Turn 6 hairpin. When the red lights go out, the challenge is for Fernando Alonso at least not to lose any ground from the dirty side of the grid.

Although Mark Webber was able to jump into the lead from the same position in the British Grand Prix two weeks ago, Alonso isn't confident of being able to repeat the trick, saying "I think the dirty side was better at Silverstone." If he's slow away, that could give Felipe Massa the opportunity to lead the Ferrari attack.

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