Austrian GP BAR preview

The A1-Ring, near Spielberg, in the Styrian Alps, nestles in rolling Austrian countryside and boasts both elevation change and some excellent vantage spots for spectators. It also possesses a number of slow and medium-speed corners bordered by large gravel run-off areas. Race engineers describe the Austrian circuit as a "high-downforce" track, although not in the same way as Monaco or the Hungaroring. It requires effective brakes, good levels of downforce to assist braking, and good traction to get through and out of the corners quickly. Chassis balance at this circuit is known to be more dependent on track temperature and other ambient conditions than at some circuits, while the slightly thinner mountain air means engines are likely to require a "mapping" adjustment. Jacques Villeneuve:
"The result in France was good and gives us hope that the second half of the season will provide more points and some podium finishes. Everybody on the team is working really hard and it would be nice to see those efforts rewarded. I got pole position, won the race and set fastest lap in Austria in 1997, so I have good memories of the circuit. I would like to be able to go away with some more good memories this year." Ricardo Zonta:
"France was a big disappointment for me, so I really want to have a good result in Austria. The circuit is quite interesting and there are overtaking opportunities. I must concentrate on getting the best possible grid position in qualifying and then hope to have a good race." Steve Farrell, Chief Engineer:
"Jacques'' competitive fourth-place finish in France last Sunday shows we are making progress on the technical front. With the A1 Ring placing roughly similar demands on the chassis and engine as Magny-Cours, I think there is every reason to be confident we can keep the momentum going. We have had a useful test at Silverstone this week where we carried out initial chassis set-up work for Austria and also tested some new systems with positive results. As a team, we''re just remaining focused on our plan for the year and trying not to be distracted by the inevitable ups and downs of a Grand Prix season."