F1 hoping to restore its pride

2005-06-30 11:29

France - After the debacle of the US Grand Prix, Formula One tries to get back to normal racing this weekend in its return to Europe.

The French Grand Prix is the first race since seven teams boycotted Indianapolis over safety concerns of its Michelin tyres.

F1's governing body FIA this week found the seven teams guilty of wrongfully refusing to race but has delayed announcing sanctions until September.

"After Indianapolis, Formula One needs a proper race in France and we will be focused to deliver," said Norbert Haug, the head of Mercedes-McLaren, one of the teams that boycotted.

Sunday's race in the middle of France offers a chance for the sport to return to its basics.

Ferrari ace

Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher has won seven times here and set a record when he clinched the 2002 drivers' title here, the earliest in Formula One history.

His first place finish in the depleted Indianapolis race was his first of the season.

Schumacher was one of only six drivers who raced at Indianapolis on June 19 - all on Bridgestone tires.

"The title race is now a little more open as Canada and the United States were good for us. However, we have to avoid becoming overly optimistic," Schumacher said.

Schumacher has taken advantage of Fernando Alonso's problems to creep up on the Renault driver in the drivers' standings.

Alonso has 59 points, exactly what he had before the two races in North America.

Alonso points out that there's reasons for that.

Schumacher is "back because he scored 10 points at Indianapolis and eight in Canada," Alonso said.

"But we know we were more competitive than Ferrari at Indy and in front of him in Canada when we retired."

Alonso hit a wall and damaged suspension at the Canadian GP, the first time this season he failed to finish. Then he was among the 14 drivers who pulled off after the warm-up lap at Indianapolis a week later.

Kimi Raikkonen is also creeping up in his McLaren.

Raikkonen now has 37 points, three ahead of Schumacher, but still with 10 races left in the season.

Purpose-built

The Magny Cours track is not as difficult as the Indy circuit as it was purpose-built for Formula One and the teams do a lot of testing there.

Gilles Simon, the head of engine research at Ferrari, said it may be at a disadvantage in France.

"Our rivals, who did not complete the last race will therefore be able to adopt a more aggressive plan in terms of distance covered by the engines and engine revs at Magny Cours.

"I would class it as a tiny advantage for them as our engines will be on their second race," Simon said.

But there are four races over the next five weekends.

"Never before in 55 years of Formula One history has there been such a concentration of races," Haug said.

"In July alone, an optimum of 40 points in the Drivers' Championship and 72 points in the Constructors' Championship can be won.

"That shows how fast everything can change in the World Championship tables."

- AP