France: Friday Practice

By Ian Lockwood
July 14 2006

The F1 circus is back on European soil for the French Grand Prix at the Magny Cours circuit just south of Nevers. Friday free practice is all about selecting the right tyres and getting a good basic set-up on the car.

DAVID COULTHARD (CAR 14):

1st Practice: - , 2nd Practice: Pos. 25
 
“We were a little bit further away in those conditions than I expected we’d be. We started focusing more towards single lap performance for tomorrow, so hopefully we’ll get a pleasant surprise then.”

CHRISTIAN KLIEN (CAR 15):

1st Practice: - , 2nd Practice: Pos. 27
 
“It was not a good session for us, I think we were on the wrong tyres. The car balance was not bad to start with, but then, as the tyres went off it got really, really bad - the worst so far this year I think. Hopefully we’ll be a little better in qualifying tomorrow.”

ROBERT DOORNBOS (CAR 37):

1st Practice: Pos. 9, 2nd Practice: Pos. 8
 
“Everyone says this circuit is in the middle of nowhere, but it’s definitely fun to drive. It has really high-speed corners, so it’s really important to have a right set up and we’ve been concentrating on that. We were a bit lost in the morning’s practice, but we’re getting there now. It’s all about the tyres this weekend and reading how they’re going to react in the hot conditions, so that’s the focus.”