Friday 20 June 2008

Preview - French Grand Prix

The French Grand Prix is back for the 58th time, and the very last time at Mangy-Cours, to hold the eighth round of the 2008 championship. This post looks at last years race (also meant to be the last at Magny-Cours), the facts and figures and the news, preparations and recent history of the French race.

Last Years Race
Felipe Massa got pole last year with Lewis Hamilton behind in second. Kimi Raikkonen and Robert Kubica lined up on row 2 with the Renaults on row 3. Fernando Alonso started back in tenth. Raikkonen passed Hamilton on the start, taking second. Further back, Anthony Davidson made contact with Viantonio Luizzi sending his car out of control colliding with Davidson's Super Aguri. Luizzi retired but Davidson made it back round to the pits. Heikki Kovalainen nearly made a move round Giancarlo Fisichella but was spun from behind by Jarno Trulli. Kovalainen continued but Trulli retired. Meanwhile, Christijan Albers was pitting for Spyker but left the pits before the lollipop went up with the fuel rig still attached. He also retired. The Ferrais then pitted from the lead. Raikkonen got the jump on Massa to take control of the race. Hamilton finished in third, behind the Ferraris with fourth and fifth going to BMW. Fernando Alonso took seventh with Jenson Button getting Hondas first 2007 points in eighth.

Information
  • Official Name: 2008 Formula 1 Grand Prix de France
  • Date: 20-22 June
  • Round: 8
  • Circuit: Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours
  • Location: Magny-Cours
  • F1 Race Number: 794
  • Grand Prix Number: 58
  • First Race: 1950
  • Laps: 70
  • Lap Distance: 2.74 miles (4.41km)
  • Lap Record: 1:15.377, M Schumacher
Preparations and Predictions
With a Canadian Grand Prix that shook the championship standings around, things should begin to settle back to normal in France, but not to McLarens favour. McLaren do not have a good track record in the French race with only 3 French GP wins to their name. Hamilton being penalised ten places from wherever he qualifies, after the pit lane crash in Canada, will not help turn their record around. Ferrari do have a good track record at the circuit and will be hoping for a 1-2 finish to put some distance between them and their rivals. BMW will be wanting to continue their good form and will also now be battling for the championship. Ferrari looks likely to dominate in France, but we could be in for a surprise.

News
After the pit lane incident in Canada two weeks ago, both Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton will start ten places back from where they qualify. Hamilton still seems optimistic about his chances saying “We’ve already looked at the best ways of optimising the strategy to help us move up the field and I guess I’ll just have to pass some cars if I want to get into the points." Bad weather is once again being predicted with Thunderstorms being predicted on Saturday and more heavy rain on the Sunday.

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