Drivers Comments - Magny-Cours

By Andrew Hooper
February 15 2004

	Drivers Comments: Magny-Cours
	2-4 July – French Grand Prix, Circuit de Nevers, Magny-Cours* Panis: “Magny-Cours is good fun to drive and as my home race, I fully support its inclusion on the 2004 calendar. The start of the lap is very enjoyable because there is a very fast flick left-handed after the start-finish straight, before the long right-hander at Turn 2. The whole way through this second corner you are trying to get on the throttle because a long straight follows, but if you get on it too soon, you understeer off-line. It's very challenging. Another good section is called Estoril, which is a quick chicane in the middle of the lap. You approach this corner over the crest of a hill, so it's on you very quickly and you have to be on exactly the right line because it is seriously quick. I am the only Frenchman on the grid, so there is a bit more pressure on me. Last year was only the first time I have scored a point in the French GP, so I want to do even better in 2004 in front of my home fans.”