French Grand Prix Preview - Jaguar Formula One

By Steve
July 2 2003

Jaguar are optimistic heading into this weekends French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours. Both Drivers have previous experience and if the reliability carries on from the last race we should see some more points.

David Pitchforth, Jaguar Racings Managing Director’s comments:
"The team has been working at full throttle over the last few months and it is very encouraging to start having the R4 potential realised. Our three points from the Nurburgring were well deserved and we are certainly on the prowl for some more points in the next round at Magny-Cours. As with back-to-back races the team have had a very quick turn around with the majority going direct to France, and some of the engineers returning back to the factory to work on data and strategy.

"Both of the drivers are pleased with our progress and I know that they are positive about the second half of the season. Reliability over the last couple of races has been good but we are continuing to work hard at the factory to try and maintain this."

"As always we will be making the most of the Friday morning testing with Michelin to ensure that we optimise the tyres available to us over the weekend. Cosworth continues to work closely with us and, of course, are encouraged by our consistency. We certainly go to Magny-Cours positive and looking forward to getting back on the track."

Antonio Pizzonia’s comments:

"I am aware that back-to-back races are difficult for the team as we cannot get the cars home to Milton Keynes to work on them, but as we had such a reliable car in the Nurburgring this should not give us any problems. In many ways it is great to get straight back into the car so we can continue with the positive work from last weekend."

"Magny Cours is a track I have been to twice in Formula 3000 and last year I finished fourth. It is not a circuit filled with character but the great thing is there is an overtaking possibility at the end of the long back straight. There is also a new corner that I know nothing about but I have been told this could perhaps be another place for overtaking. It is a slow and twisty circuit with some high-speed sections and is a place where you need maximum downforce. It is the home race for our tyre partner Michelin and, as is obvious from their recent results, they are working very hard and I am sure will come up with the right compound for the track's smooth circuit."

Mark Webber’s comments:
"I am very pleased with the clear progress we are making with the R4 and to have finished sixth at the Nurburgring is great reward for both myself and the team, both at Jaguar Racing, Cosworth Racing and Pi Research. The reliability of the car has become more consistent and the pace is continuing to improve."

"The circuit at Magny Cours is one I enjoy, despite it being one of the quieter races on the calendar.. I won there in 2001 with F3000 and finished eighth with Minardi in 2002, so one of my more rewarding tracks. I know that the mechanics have had little time to stop since the European Race and I leave on Wednesday for the circuit, so things are pretty hectic for us during these back-to-back races. The circuit itself is very smooth and they have changed the layout slightly so I am looking forward to testing this on Friday morning."

"With Magny-Cours being Michelin's home race I am sure that their tyres will as always be competitive and with a good strategy we should be in a strong position to compete for some more points. The remainder of the season is all about making the most of what we have and continuing to battle for points with the rest of the midfield."