France vow to attack in Laguna

Following on from Alexandre Premat's double victory at Monterrey, Mexico last month, teammate Nicolas Lapierre will be back behind the wheel of the French car for this weekend's race at Laguna Seca in California.

The team hold a 32-point lead in the standings over Team Switzerland before this weekend begins, and only need to have a 21-point advantage at the end of the two races to take the title home from the United States.

This means that the team only need to finish ahead of the Swiss squad once in either of the two races to win the title, no matter what position.

French team principal Jean-Paul Driot said: "The race in Laguna Seca is a big one for the team. Our plan is the same as ever to go fast and leave everyone else behind us and win the championship.

"Nicolas Lapierre is up for the challenge and will not buckle under the pressure."

GP2 racer Lapierre is eager to secure the championship with victory.

"It's a big weekend for the team and I really want to take the wins and the championship at this race," Lapierre said. "I'm ready for the challenge.

"Until now, I've only seen the Laguna Seca track on TV. But since I have left Monterrey last week I have mentally been thinking of driving around it. It looks like it will be a fun, but physically demanding track as it runs anti-clockwise.

"In any case I'm feeling very strong and fit and have worked on preparing my neck muscles so it shouldn't be a problem for us."  it shouldn't be a problem for us."