BAR buoyant over France
The BAR-Honda team came away from last week's four-day test at Jerez buoyed by its pace after setting the fastest times on the last two days. It's no surprise then that Jenson Button and Takuma Sato are once again targeting podium finishes from this weekend's French Grand Prix, no doubt keen to make up for the team's perceived tactical error at Indianapolis
Jenson Button retired from the US GP two weeks ago while Sato took the first podium of his F1 career. But despite it's consistently strong form, BAR was criticised after the race for not calling its cars in to pit during the lengthy safety car period after Ralf Schumacher crashed his Williams. This gave Ferrari the opportunity to escape, while Sato was forced to fight his way back through to third, in arguably the fastest car on the track.
"I am really looking forward to racing in France," said Button. "The Michelins should work extremely well at Magny-Cours and I am confident that our package should definitely put us in the fight for a podium.
"The car felt fantastic in Indy last week so it was disappointing that I was forced to retire. We need to focus on getting both cars to the end of the race and well in the points if we are to challenge for second place in the championship."
Sato is still on a high after his podium and reckons there is more to come in France. "After having such a good race at Indy, I am really looking forward to the next grand prix. The test in Jerez was very hot indeed, but we are happy with the tyre programme that we have chosen for France. Magny-Cours is Michelin's home grand prix, so I am looking forward to us performing strongly next weekend."
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