Jaguar to go 'on the prowl' in France

"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," says managing director David Pitchforth. "Our three points from the Nurburgring were well deserved and we are certainly on the prowl for some more in the next round at Magny-Cours."

Webber has the added confidence booster of some decent previous form at the Circuit de Nevers, with a F3000 win in 2001 and an eighth place for Minardi last year. "The circuit at Magny Cours is one I enjoy, despite it being one of the quieter races on the calendar," he says.

"The mechanics have had little time to stop since the European GP and I leave on Wednesday for the circuit, so things are pretty hectic for us during these back-to-back races. The circuit is very smooth and they have changed the layout slightly so I am looking forward to testing on Friday morning.

"With Magny-Cours being Michelin's home race I am sure that their tyres will be competitive and with a good strategy we should be in a strong position to compete for some more points."

Antonio Pizzonia is now strenuously avoiding commenting on his past performances preferring to focus on each incremental step forward. It is vital that the raw talent of the Brazilian, combined with the improving reliability of the Jaguar, proves enough to get him to the chequered flag, and soon.

"Magny Cours is a track I have been to twice in Formula 3000 and last year I finished fourth," he said. "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."