Tough challenge for revised Jag
Like all Michelin runners Jaguar will have its fingers crossed that this weekend's French GP remains dry throughout. The team's heavily revised R3 made its debut at Silverstone, but the wet/dry conditions made it impossible for either Eddie Irvine or Pedro de la Rosa to extract the best from the car. However, pre-racing testing at Monza last week has given the team hope that it might be able to make a step forward in competitiveness this weekend
"We will be looking to strengthen our understanding of the revised aero package this weekend and after three days of testing we should be better prepared than we were at Silverstone," said team principal Niki 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."
Eddie Irvine has twice been on the podium at Magny-Cours during his time as a Ferrari driver. He also took Jaguar's best ever grid position when he qualified sixth for the 2000 French GP at the track. This weekend he'd be happy just to beat his season's best of 13th come the end of qualifying.
Like Irvine, team-mate Pedro de la Rosa has struggled this season, and along with Allan McNish, Takuma Sato, Enrique Bernoldi and Alex Yoong, he's one of just five drivers yet to score a point this year. Last season his race was effectively over before it began when his car cut out on the parade lap, so he's hoping for improved reliability - and above all no rain.
"As long as the temperatures stay high for Michelin's home race and we take the chequered flag, I will be satisfied," he said.
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