Michael Schumacher returns to the Magny-Cours circuit where he clinched his fifth world title in 2002 knowing a victory on Sunday will give him some breathing space over championship rivals Kimi Raikonnen and brother Ralf Schumacher.
With nine races gone in the 2003 season, the Ferrari driver has amassed a total of 58 points and currently leads McLaren-Mercedes driver Raikkonen by seven points.
Williams-BMW’s Ralf Schumacher is eight points further back following his victory in the European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.
”Naturally we would like to build on this lead in France and I think it is possible to do so,” said Michael Schumacher ahead of this weekend’s French Grand Prix.
However, Ferrari and Schumacher will be hoping that their Bridgestone tyres perform better against Michelin in its home grand prix than they did last Sunday at the Nurburgring where it was obvious the French manufacturer had gained the upper hand.
”Many consider the French GP the home race for Michelin and it is true that on this track the tyres will be crucial, above because of the elevated temperatures,” said Schumacher.
”Over the course of this season though, we have seen on many occasions how the theory that Michelin is better in the heat and Bridgestone in the cold, has been proved wrong.”
But with its fast straights and tricky corners, Magny-Cours is a circuit whose surface can become very slippery if it is really hot, and Schumacher confesses he faces a challenge.
”I have to admit that I don’t really like these conditions as I prefer going through curves fast and not be held back by a lack of grip,” said the 34-year-old.
”I do like the track overall though as it is very accommodating and represents a real challenge.”
Meanwhile, Williams-BMW head into the race weekend brimming with
confidence following their emphatic one-two victory at the Nurburgring where Juan Pablo Montoya followed Ralf Schumacher home.
This coupled with the announcement that the Williams and BMW are to extend their partnership for a further five years through to the end of 2009 leads many commentators to believe that the team has overtaken McLaren and is now the main challenger to Ferrari.
”After my victory at the Nurburgring I am going to Magny-Cours with much more confidence,” said Ralf Schumacher, who achieved the first pole position of his career at the circuit in 2001.
”In the last few races we have proved that we can compete with the Ferraris and the McLarens and, if you can do well on a circuit like the Nurburgring, you should be able to do well elsewhere.”
Teammate Montoya took pole in 2002 and is confident Williams can again impress, especially if the weather is hot.
”Combined with our recent performances and the continuous efforts being made in Grove (Williams) and Munich (BMW), we should get another top points finish,” said the Colombian.
”For the last two years it has been really hot there which will really suit our Michelin tyres as well.”
Williams have won four of the 12 grand prix held at Magny-Cours and should Ralf Schumacher make it five, brother Michael will know he’ll have to fight all the way if he is to claim a record sixth title. – Sapa-DPA