The 2005 French Grand Prix Preview

The French Grand Prix is hosted at Magny-Cours, near Nevers. The weekend should be hot with temperatures getting into the eighties, but there is a strong chance of showers. Overtaking is traditionally very awkward unless there is a set-up discrepancy due to expected rain, or inclement weather adds spice to the event. A fast lap requires good aerodynamics to maintain speed in cornering with low enough drag to avoid being passed on the main straight; a powerful engine is rewarded. The circuit eats tyres unless cars are set up well to look after them.

Analysis

After the excitement of seeing only six cars run at Indianapolis, a more traditional prospect should be in the offing in France, unless the FIA do something radical, like ban the Michelin teams. If all things remain equal, this return to a traditional European circuit should offer plenty of processional racing. Fortunately, the new tyre rules and this high-wear circuit ought to offer some passing opportunities at the end of the race to teams who can look after their tyres.