France Preview
The French Grand Prix could play host to Michael Schumacher's
record-breaking fifth FIA Formula One World Championship victory this
weekend, as long as the German wins the event with none of his closest
rivals finishing on the podium. Should Schumacher secure his dream
triumph it would see him go down in the history books as the fastest
winning champion, taking his victory just 64 per cent of the way into
the 2002 season, as opposed to Nigel Mansell's previous record of 68 per
cent of the way into the year in 1992.
http://www.formula1.com/races/racene...e/preview.html
The Magny-Cours venue has been labelled bland in the past due to the
lack of overtaking opportunities that it offers, but Schumacher's battle
for a record-making win and the current uncertainty surrounding whether
Arrows will race in the face of their ongoing discussions with current
shareholders and potential investors will ensure that the French GP
provides more interest for Formula One racing fans.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines.html
The teams tested mainly in Monza and Valencia last week, with Ferrari
working at Fiorano and Mugello also. Michael Schumacher broke the
current lap record at the team's private testing track over the weekend,
before going on to complete two Grands Prix distances, proving he is in
fine form for Sunday's race.
http://www.formula1.com/news/testing.html
Magny-Cours is a medium to high downforce track and is also the
smoothest track in F1. Because of its geography it is also the most
sensitive to ambient temperature, and teams often end up chasing chassis
set-up throughout the weekend. High track temperatures provide their own
challenges - including oversteer according to Renault's Pat Symonds.
http://www.formula1.com/races/france/circuit.html
Traction is very important and has a strong influence on lap times
because the exit to the last corner, in particular, dictates so much
speed for the next half of the lap. It is also particularly important to
set the car up well for the high-speed Estoril chicane. Both tyre
companies are taking at least one new dry tyre compound as a result,
with Bridgestone focusing on controlling rear tyre degradation and
finding high heat durability.
http://www.formula1.com/races/britain/tour.html
Early weather forecasts predict warm and sunny days, with a current high
of 27 degrees Celsius and a slight (20%) chance of rain for Sunday.
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines02/07/s10057.html
Formula1.com will keep you up to date on the all the developments before
the race, as well as reporting on events live as they unfold during the
race weekend.
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