France Preview Quotes: McLaren

Juan Pablo Montoya: "Magny Cours is quite a slow track with low speed hairpins, medium speed corners, and as a result we run with a medium - high downforce configuration. The track has a couple of quick turns though, such as Grand Courbe. The only genuinely fast section is between Estoril and Adelaide. You need to take the sweep of Estoril really flat out, pushing the limits, so you have good speed when you exit onto Golf. This runs down to Adelaide, which usually sees some entertaining overtaking manoeuvres. It is one of the few places where you can pass at Magny Cours. I am looking forward to this race and my wish is to do what I did in Canada, to challenge for victory."

Pedro de la Rosa: "The Jerez test last week ran well, we completed the majority of the planned programme with myself, Juan Pablo, Kimi and Alex. We covered some 1700 kms in total over the three days. My programme on Friday at Magny Cours will concentrate on tyre selection with Michelin, following on from the work we conducted already in Jerez. Magny Cours is an interesting circuit to drive, it is very technical and as a result set-up is particularly key."

Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One: "The Team McLaren Mercedes team is fully focused on challenging for our fourth race win of the season at the French Grand Prix this weekend. Development and preparatory work has continued apace back at base and on the test track in Jerez and we are looking forward to getting back to the racing in France. In the main we have seen an exciting first half to the season, with close and intense battles on track, which we are looking to continue over the remaining nine races."

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "The French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours will be the first of no less than four Grands Prix in one month. Never before in 55 years of Formula One history has there been such a concentration of races. This requires huge efforts from everybody in the team. In July alone, an optimum of 40 points in the Drivers' Championship and 72 points in the Constructors' Championship can be won that shows how fast everything can change in the World Championship tables. However, in the current competitive situation of Formula One it is very unlikely that one driver and one team will win the maximum number of points. The Circuit de Nevers at Magny-Cours is challenging for chassis, engines and tyres and should suit our technical package. More than 65 percent of a lap is run at full throttle. After Indianapolis Formula One needs a proper race in France and we will be focused to deliver."