France preview quotes: Michelin

"Competition in amongst teams remains very tight but we shall be looking for a good performance to add to the current overall positive results of 2006. The track at Magny-Cours is relatively recent and is a very flat track. As such, it allows for lower ride heights and the use of a relatively stiff chassis.

"The long finish strait is followed by a long 180° bend at Estoril which puts relatively high demands on the tyres in terms of endurance. There are also tight, slower turns that put high demand on good traction.

"The preparation of the tyres for this year's event have been prepared at the test session at Jerez with the participation of all our partner teams who have also been testing changes to their different car packages."

"Due to the short pit lane and therefore reduced time loss when 'pitting', the teams will be reflecting on their race strategies and possible number of stints.

"The climatic conditions can be very variable from one day to the next. Should conditions turn to rain, it could give us the opportunity to use our latest rain tyres that have been recently introduced."