Preview to Magny-Cours 2008

Well we are back to France at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, probably for the last time. Even though the Magny-Cours circuit is a fantastic circuit for most drivers, its in the middle of nowhere and one of the least favourite locations for all of the Formula One paddock. It is quite a shame as it has some terrific corners from high speed corners to the tight Adelaide hairpin to the fast and slow chicanes. This circuit has the unique feature of corners being named after other circuits sich as Estoril and Adelaide. As every other race, finding the ideal setup here is key as this circuit demands more downforce than Canada and being smooth here is crucial.

Each lap is 4.41km with the race being a 70 lap race, normally a tw0-stop strategy, even though Michael Schumacher successfully converted a three-stop strategy to win in 2004. The only overtaking opportunity here is the Adelaide hairpin and nowadays the revised penultimate corner offers couple of opportunities. Alonso showed us last year that overtaking is possible but really really tough.

This year, even though the qualifying session has been really close, the Ferrari's look a level better than the rest. With both McLaren's starting outside the top ten it should be a walk in the park for the Ferrari. One interesting note is that thunderstorms are expected during the race which could work in favour of Hamilton, who has shown his extraordinary talent in changing conditions as in Monaco this year. Hamilton is starting 13th due to his ten-place penalty following his crash with Raikkonen in Montreal. The other McLaren driver qualified 6th but has been given a five place penalty for impeding Mark Webber's flying lap.

Former team-mates and Trulli are starting from the second row after a sensational qualifying performance from both drivers. However, both are expected to be running with a light fuel load. The surprise of the afternoon has been the pace of the BMW Sauber team with Nick Heidfeld struggling to get into Q2 and finally ending up in 12th position. Canadian GP winner qualified a disappointing 7th but will move up to 5th due to the McLarens being pushed back. Kubica should now look at gaining maximum points and possibly a podium finish. The Red Bulls of Webber and Coulthard also put in a great effort to finish 8th and 9th. The other team that impressed were the Toro Ross drivers of Vettel and Bourdais, showing that the new car is a step forward.

The race today could be interesting if there are changing weather conditions. If not look for it to be a procession race as overtaking is quite hard over here. However saying that, with Hamilton starting 13th I am sure he is gonna prove me wrong and for sure going to entertain with moves that are either gonna work or put him out of the race. So my money is on a Ferrari one-two with Hamilton finishing in a top five position..