Jaguar Confident of Better Showing in France

Jaguar boss Niki Lauda is confident his team will have a better chance of doing well at this weekend's French Grand Prix following a successful three-day test at Monza with the revised R3B chassis.

The Ford-owned squad debuted the heavily revised car at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, but despite the high expectations the Cosworth-powered machine failed to move Jaguar away from the bottom of the field.

Irishman Eddie Irvine retired from the race, while teammate Pedro de la Rosa finished in 11th position more than two laps down.

Jaguar claimed at Silverstone that the lack of time to get to terms with the new car was a handicap when trying to extract the best of the R3B, and Lauda is now hoping to benefit from their better knowledge following the Monza test.

"We will be looking to strengthen our understanding of the revised aero package this weekend and after three days of testing in Monza, we should be better prepared than we were at Silverstone," said Lauda.

"With its mix of slow and fast corners, Magny-Cours demands a good aero balance and the weekend will of course be especially important for Michelin as it's their home race."

Irvine was pleased with the team's progress after the test at the Italian circuit last week, and the veteran is also confident of a stronger showing at the Magny-Cours track this weekend.

"After Silverstone, it was good to get in a day's testing at Monza," said Irvine. "Up until then, the testing conditions had not been to our advantage either in Barcelona or during the Silverstone free practice session where our plans were compromised by rain showers.

"The Monza test allowed me to work on set-up, balance and discuss the package in more detail with the team. I am looking forward to the French Grand Prix, particularly as I have had two podium finishes here in 1997 and 1998."