Taku's French Revelation

Takuma Sato
By Bigpip
July 15 2002

After out qualifying Giancarlo Fisichella at the last two grand prix, Takuma Sato is looking forward to driving the EJ12 at the French Grand Prix in Magny-Cours.

"I have never raced at Magny-Cours, although I have driven here when I visited during the winter, with my engineer, to have a look at the circuit. We had the track to ourselves with a little Formula school car, admittedly in much cooler conditions than I’m expecting at the weekend.  The EJ12 is looking good and we are hoping to have further improvements from Honda soon so I feel positive."

Honda are extremely happy with the improvements shown by their latest spec of their V10.

Shuhei Nakamoto
Race and Test Team Manager, Honda Racing Development
“We were obviously encouraged by the results at the British Grand Prix and it was great to score some points - a real boost for everyone - but we’re fully aware that there’s still a lot of work to be done. Now that we’ve successfully introduced our new engine in race trim, we must remain focused on continuing our step-by-step development at each Grand Prix to improve our performance throughout the second half of the season, beginning at Magny Cours, and help both our partner teams fight for more points.”

Gary Anderson
Director of Race and Test Engineering
“Magny-Cours is a good track because it has a few decent fast corners. Although the fast chicanes are quite demanding for the car, the driver, and the engineers, there are hardly any overtaking opportunities. There is one at the end of the main straight at the hairpin, but unfortunately it follows a very fast corner, so even that is a difficult spot to get past anyone. People have said it can become something of a procession at the front, but it means that qualifying is crucial and all the more exciting because of the character of the race.

“Normally conditions are very hot, although there have been occasions when it has poured with rain, which is what happened when Jordan won in 1999. Qualifying is the key, you have to be up the front of the grid and then make the most of it with the right race strategy. It is not a long pit stop circuit so it’s possible to stop more often without losing much time. I expect the temperature will be very hot this year and at this circuit the temperature affects the surface very strangely so grip levels drop off dramatically.

“We are hoping for a good solid top-ten qualifying for both cars because from there we have the chance to do something.”

Eddie Jordan
Chief Executive
“It’s always nice to return to a circuit where you have been successful, however our focus is very much on this season. We narrowly missed scoring points at Silverstone and it’s important for us to get back to top-six finishes. We know we can do it, so we just have to deliver the best package for the circumstances and conditions on the day.”

Giancarlo Fisichella
"Magny-Cours is a very modern circuit with exceptional safety standards. After our strong seventh place finish in Silverstone, the team has made great efforts to make the car even more competitive. I am confident about the performance of the car and the tyres at this race."