Track: Circuit de Nevers, Magny-Cours
Laps: 70
Race start: 2000 HRS SIN
This French Grand Prix will be the last hosted in Magny-Cours, as
Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is pushing for a street circuit
in Paris. The venue is not popular with spectators as it is in the
middle of a region full of vineyards and accomodation is far
away.
The track does not see a lot of exciting racing as it is technical
in nature and overtaking is difficult. The asphalt is smooth and
dark, and the low kerbs and elevation changes allow the cars to run
with the miminum ride height. A car that is responsive to the fast
changes in direction will be highly beneficial, and the cars are
run with medium-high downforce settings. A short pitlane means that
2 pitstops will be the norm across the board during the race.
Last year's winner Räikkönen goes into this leg of the championship
4th in the drivers standings after he was taken out of the last
race by Hamilton. The latter will be demoted 10 places on the
starting grid from wherever he qualifies for his involvement in
that accident, as will Rosberg.
On Sunday, there will be a free live screening of the race from
6.30 p.m. at Helipad (The Central mall, opposite Clarke Quay),
hosted by Jamie Yeo.