Michelin Hungarian Grand Prix Preview

For Michelin the last three weeks has seen them achieve success in other forms of motor sport including rallying, the FIA GT championship, and victory in the Spa 24 Hour race. But for their Formula One department they have been hard at work analysing data from the previous two Formula One Grands Prix at Magny-Cours and Hockenheim.

Michelin Motorsport Director Pierre Dupasquier had the following comments: "We haven't very much new to tell you. We saw that the McLaren-Mercedes team dominated most of the race in France and that the Williams-BMWs were very effective in Germany, even if Juan Pablo Montoya failed to take pole position for once. We have the qualifying speed and the racing speed. All that remains is for us to put it together at the same time."

As for the Hungarian Grand Prix the race is well know for the demands that it places on tyres with its requirement for a high level of grip. The circuit comprises mainly slow corners that place an emphasis on good traction.

Pierre Dupasquier added: "It is a fairly high-downforce circuit with two 180-degree bends and a whole series of tight corners - a bit like Montreal but without the straights. Average lap speeds are relatively low at about 185 km/h (115 mph). The track surface is quite well worn and it is essential to generate as much grip as possible, while remembering that the heat can have an adverse effect on tyre wear.

Last year a two-stop strategy looked like the best option but, here more than almost anywhere, overtaking tends to be very difficult and grid positions have a major influence on the race's outcome. The two dry-weather tyres we will be using both feature state-of-the-art construction techniques and we have opted for compounds that provide both grip and durability."