What are your impressions of Magny-Cours, where the French Grand Prix is held?
Some drivers don’t like it, but I actually find it a very good circuit. The track layout is good, you have to have a good downforce balance for the high speed and low speed corners, so set-up is always a compromise. There are a few possibilities to overtake so you also have to have a good speed to be able to pass on the straight. I like the track though - the only problem I can see with it is it’s in the middle of nowhere!
In Indianapolis we saw you racing with a group in front until a combination of heavy fuel load and blue flags dropped you further down the order than you would have hoped. Do you think this is a sign of the team’s development?
We are making good progress everyday. You saw it this week at the test - we were immediately on the pace, with a 1min 23.3 lap on the first run with new tyres. It’s very close to Adrian’s time at the end of the second day, so you can really see that we are getting there with the development. It was a shame on the last day that we didn’t have a chance to better this lap due to an electrical problem as I know we could have gone even quicker. We went well and if we keep going at this rate it will get even better.
Do you feel that you are more comfortable in the car now?
Yes, I am feeling better and better. I have to work with the engineers now to keep this momentum going, but we are all working well together so I do not see anything will change. It’s now the busiest time of the season with the back to back races in Canada and the USA, then the Silverstone test, France, GB then the Spa test so we have plenty of time and track mileage to improve.
Is this time of the year physically quite tough with the travelling, testing and racing?
You spend a lot of time away, but this is of course part of the job. It’s no problem, I enjoy it as we can get more time together as a team.
What are the goals for the French Grand Prix?
It is the same as always, to give it maximum attack and get the best result we can. We have to get the set-up right, get the confidence high and then go out and do our best. I like the track and I have done OK on it so far - in fact the only drama is getting out of the circuit on a Sunday night!
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