French GP Benetton qualifying notes

Giancarlo Fisichella 1.15.220 11 laps

Chassis: B201/06

Grid position: 16th

We started this morning with the wrong set-up, but we managed to improve the car, which was fairly satisfying. Our new package is not yet fully sorted, but I am happy with the chassis balance. The latest engine evolution is definitely a step in the right direction but I think you will see even better performances from us very soon.lm

Jenson Button 1.15.420 12 laps

Chassis: B201/05

Grid position: 17th

On our first qualifying run the car was well balanced, although it was a bit twitchy at the rear end. I could handle that, but my run was spoiled because Eddie Irvine spun off in front of me. My second run was better, but ITm afraid I mucked up the next two because I was supposed to adjust the differential setting after Turn Two. Unfortunately, I forgot to do so on both occasions

Mike Gascoyne, Technical Director

This morning during the free practice session we introduced a new aerodynamic package and it took us a bit of time to find a reasonable balance. The sector one times show that we still have to do a bit of fine-tuning in the higher-speed corners, but overall this has been a small step forward that hopefully marks the beginning of many steps forward. Both drivers did a good job today O especially Jenson, who has matched his team-mateTs pace the whole weekend. That is very refreshing for the whole team. We have a new race engine spec for tomorrow and must look to get both cars to the finish.

-Benetton